From Brick to Marble: Augustus Assembles Rome

Explore the architectural transformation of Rome under Emperor Augustus in this 75-minute lecture from Yale University's Roman Architecture course. Discover how Augustus fulfilled his claim of turning Rome from a city of brick to a city of marble through the exploitation of new quarries. Examine the transition from the Roman Republic to the Principate, analyzing key structures like the Forum of Julius Caesar and the Forum of Augustus. Learn about Caesar's efforts to connect himself to Venus Genetrix and Augustus' incorporation of Greek elements to associate his reign with Athens' Golden Age. Delve into the significance of the Ara Pacis Augustae, a monument symbolizing Augustus' diplomatic triumphs and imperial power. The lecture also covers the historical impact of these architectural changes, from ancient times to Mussolini's era and beyond.