34. The Arch of Constantine and Reunification of the Roman Empire
Constantine is the central figure in the transformation of the entire Roman Empire from pagan to Christian in the fourth century, but why he initiated this dramatic change is still disputed both by hi...
2 Feb 202124min
33. The Monument to Garibaldi and his "Expedition of the Thousand" in 1860
Of Garibaldi's many military adventures and many contributions to the unification of Italy, none was more dramatic or more consequential than his conquest of Sicily and all of southern Italy in 1860. ...
26 Jan 202123min
32. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the Entrance to St. Peter's Basilica, and the Creation of Europe
Today we visit the Portico of St. Peter's Basilica, and find there--again!--the work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Rome's greatest and most prolific Baroque sculptor and architect. We also encounter the em...
19 Jan 202129min
31. Tacitus on the Games Held in the Colosseum
The famous Roman Historian Tacitus is critical of a Roman emperor and of the Roman people for their enthusiasm for the gladiatorial games held in Roman amphitheaters. We here explore his reasons, whic...
12 Jan 202123min
30. On Blaming the Romans for their Bloody "Games"
We previously looked at the Colosseum as a major and impressive work of ancient architecture, and then reviewed the events the Romans staged in it. Today we raise the difficult but essential question ...
5 Jan 202123min
29. The Monument to Garibaldi and the Roman Republic of 1849
Today we return to Garibaldi's statue on the Janiculum Hill and review the events that are summarized in the bronze sculpture group on the front of the statue. They represent Luciano Manara and the ba...
29 Dec 202021min
28. On Entering the Largest Church in the World
We begin with the total destruction of the Old St. Peter's and then visit the center of the Renaissance and Baroque Basilica that replaced it. We find there the Confessio, the high altar, and Bernini'...
22 Dec 202024min
27. The Bloody "Games" of the Roman Amphitheaters
We've discussed the Colosseum as a building, but we have not yet explored the ways the Romans put it to use. Today look at the three main activities staged in Roman Amphitheaters around the Empire, an...
15 Dec 202024min
