How does architecture become a uniquely Roman way of self expression as society and nation?
It sent out a very clear message – look how awesome we are, and fear us. Hadrian’s Wall a coast to coast defensive work, the Circus Maximus (the largest sports stadium ever built, capable of seating 350,000 spectators), Hadrian’s Pantheon,the baths of Caracalla, numerous cities throughout the empire, were all intended to awe and impress not just Roman citizens but the subjects of the wider empire, slaves, and visiting provincials,merchants, barbarians, and dignitaries. The ‘fear us’ message can be seen on the many structures and engravings dedicated to the army and its victories. Trajan’s Column, the Arch of Titus, the Arch of Constantine show endless numbers of barbarians bowing down before their Roman masters, or cowering and falling under their swords. By comparison, Greek architecture concentrated on glorifying their gods and looking aesthetic; Persian architecture celebrated the diversity of the races within the empire. It was only Roman architecture which reflected its aggressive
