Roman Period

Resource 1: Roman Baths, Bath

This attraction not only has architecture and engineering from the Roman time period (approximately First Century-Second Century AD), but it also has artifacts excavated from the site.  At first glance it appears that the Roman Baths will cover a small section of land, but there are many underground tunnels and many artifacts and stories along the way.  The tour comes with a free audioguide.  You can reference specific artifacts through the online catalog at http://www.romanbaths.co.uk.  The website also has a map of the Roman Baths with a brief blog on each area.  Aside from public walking/audio tours, private tours, lectures, and other events are held throughout the year.


Characteristics of Romans:

• Practical people
• Interested in power
• Supported charities
• Men were involved in business affairs and politics
• Attended artistic and literary events
• Patronized the arts
• Christianity on the rise (accepted as Roman state religion)

Characteristics of Roman Architecture:

• Concrete, vaulted construction for buildings
• Loved sculpture
• Loved rich color
• Houses had little furniture; furniture they did have seems to be shaped and decorated for visual effect and not for comfort

Characteristics of Roman Dress: 

Men:

• Underclothes were a loin cloth and a sleeveless tunic.
• Day wear was leather sandles, outer tunic and toga (if he were going to the Senate that day)
• Clothing was made from white wool   

 Women:

•  Underclothes were a loin cloth, brassiere and shift (sleeveless nightgown/tunic).
• Day wear was leather sandles, a stola (tunic) and palla (cape/cloak)
• Usually wore 3-4 layers
• Garments were girdled under her breasts with rich cording or jeweled bands
• Clothing was made from finely woven wool or mixture of wool and silk
•  Ornatrix/slave helped her with makeup and hair
• Makeup was made from various plants dyes, ashes, or lead
• Hairstyles were more complex for the wealthy
• Pins were made from fibia (bones)
• Some wealthy women wore wigs

Photo taken at Roman Baths, Bath. 07-18-13.  The Great Bath & Terrace. 60-70 A.D.

Photo taken at Roman Baths, Bath. 07-18-13.  The Great Bath. 60-70 A.D.

Photo taken at Roman Baths, Bath. 07-18-13.  The Temple Pediment. 60-70 A.D.

Photo taken at Roman Baths, Bath. 07-18-13.  Theatrical Mask. 60-70 A.D.

Photo taken at Roman Baths, Bath. 07-18-13.  Head of a Lady. 60-70 A.D.

Photo taken at Roman Baths, Bath. 07-18-13.  Bracelets and Finger Rings. 60-70 A.D.

Photo taken at Roman Baths, Bath. 07-18-13.  Religious Mask. 60-70 A.D.

Photo taken at Roman Baths, Bath. 07-18-13.  Brooch. 60-70 A.D.

Photo taken at Roman Baths, Bath. 07-18-13.  The Spring Overflow. 60-70 A.D.

Resource 2: British Museum; London, England

Over two million artifacts from the collection are archived online at http://www.britishmuseum.org/.  Aside from the extensive collection within the museum, the Museum also offers a range of courses and events for teachers exploring the permanent collection and the special exhibitions.  There is also a plethora of activities and resources for students online, categorized by culture, by subject, and by age group.  This particular museum is so vast and varied that spending a day there wouldn't be enough. The collection ranges from Egyptian to Roman to Greek artifacts and more, with great information about culture, lifestyle, religious life, and more.

This is a wonderful resource for props, set design, actors (as far as viewpoint/background information on the life of characters, and even costuming.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Roman Gem-Set Rings. First to Second Centuries AD.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Snake Bracelets. First to Second Centuries AD.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Bone and Silver Hairpins. First to Second Centuries AD.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Gold Jewellery. First to Second Centuries AD.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Denarii Coins. First to Second Centuries AD.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Calvary Combat Helmet. First Century AD.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Pair of Bronze Flutes. First to Second Centuries AD.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Bronze Helmet of Murmillo. First Century AD.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Gold Body Chain. AD 367-383.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Bottles, Urns, Oil Flask. First to Second Centuries AD.

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Resource 3: Book Period Style for the Theatre, by Douglas A. Russell

This book is the most useful, well-laid out book that covers a span of time from the ancient world all the way up to the modern world. Sections within each time period include costuming and accessories, acting and movement, directing information, information on the theatre itself, world/history events that were going on at the time, art and sculpture, how to design for that time, and specific plays of the time.

General Roman Info:

• Strong military power
• Plebian: commoner
• Patrician: Noble class
• Early Rome was conservative and simple; late Rome with Empire came more wealth, status
• Politically aware
• Public Baths were popular and numerous
• Emphasis on high living and entertainment
• Ornatrix: Slave

Roman Architecture:

• Colosseum: Large scale, symbol of strength and power
• Advanced Engineering: Aquaducts carried water long distances
• Homes had open ceiling, not much furniture

Roman Clothing & Accessories:

• More layers than Greek clothing, complication to wearing it
• Toga was only worn by citizens, which were MEN of the upper class. Women and slaves did not wear togas.
• Men's hair was short, brushed forward
• Tunica: Cut/sewn
• Palla: Cape (similar to Greek himation)
• Stolla: Tunic
• Women's garments were girdled below the breasts with rich cording or jewelled bands
• Roman women were adept with curling irons, dyes, hairpins
• Toga: Half circle of white wool fabric, elaborate draping and tucking.  Colored bands were on the edge and the color was a symbol of status (Ie: Purple= senators)
• All dyes were natural and came from plants and flowers
• Men and women both wore leather sandals

Roman Body Movement

• Most clothing was not constricting; therefore, movement was easy, relaxed and dignified
• Men and women draped themselves over couches, even while dining
• Even when sitting, Romans tended to recline into the curved back of the chair
• Friends greeted each other by clasping each other's elbows