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Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the Roman Empire

Season 12 Episode 1204 | 28m 23s

With its vast empire, ancient Rome gave Europe its first common culture. From England to Turkey, we explore the greatest Roman cities, marveling at their over-the-top art, soaring aqueducts, and crowd-pleasing theaters. As Rome fell, saints replaced Caesars and Christianity filled the vacuum with art-filled churches—preserving the grandeur of imperial Rome and inspiring the Europe to come.

Aired: 09/30/23
Distributed nationally by American Public Television
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Extras
Rome’s Altar of Peace and the Trophy of the Alps are fine examples of art as propaganda.
Ancient Greek theaters, statues of gods and athletes, and the guiding principle of balance
Greek statues: from stiff Archaic to balanced Golden Age to jump-off-the-stage Hellenism
A quick lesson makes it easy to identify Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian architecture.
The Parthenon and Temple of Concordia trumpet the sophistication of ancient Greek society.
Early art evolved from stick figures to the refined compositions of the Golden Age.
Michelangelo sculpted “David,” painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and designed St. Peter’s.
Raphael’s sweet Madonnas set a new standard in High Renaissance painting.
Gothic church design is best illustrated by building one with 13 travelers.
Albrecht Dürer’s meticulous attention to detail was ideal for his work as an engraver.
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