COLLECTION NAME:
Graduate Thesis Collection
Record
Title:
Where’s My Seat: The Flavian Amphitheater and its Manifestation of the Augustan Ideal
Creator:
Davola, Michela
Subject:
Thesis (M.F.A.) -- Architectural History
Subject:
Savannah College of Art and Design -- Department of Architectural History
Rights:
Copyright is retained by the authors or artists of items in this collection, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.
Abstract:
In ancient Rome, events such as gladiatorial games, theater productions and horse racing were a popular part of life for everyone from the poor to the elite. Ingrained in the culture of the people, these events were a way for the leader of Rome to both entertain his subjects and communicate certain messages. One mechanism for conveying ideas regarding class, gender and power was the way in which seats at the theater and amphitheater were assigned. Augustan seating legislation in particular impacted the way attendees viewed spectacles and each other not only under this princeps’ reign, but also through, at least, the Flavian dynasty. This thesis explores the reasons as to why Augustus created such strict seating arrangements as well as the Flavian rationale for perpetuating these regulations. The goal of both Augustus and the Flavians was to create an aura of peace and order by emphasizing symbolic spatial relationships among the peoples of Rome.
Publisher:
Savannah, Georgia : Savannah College of Art and Design
Date:
2013-06
Format:
PDF : 54 p. : ill