1. THE ROMAN EMPIRE
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2. Contents
Assignment Brief
Research
i. Movies and Characters
“Julius Caesar”
“Gladiator”
ii. Cultures and Traditions
“Dies Lustricus”
“Poena Cullei
“Traditional clothing”
iii. Myths
“Aenas”
“Romulus and Remus”
iv. Social Strata
v. Architecture
vi. Summary
Sketch
i. Plot Summary
ii. Script
iii. Key Frames
Costumes
i. Idea drawings
ii. Actual Costume
Reference
3. Research
i. Movies and Characters
“Julius Caesar”
Julius Caesar is a remake of the WilliamShakespeare classic
tale of the betrayal of the Roman senate against their
emperor, the plotting and scheming that led up to the
assassination of the title character,and all of Rome’s'
fickleness towards the events.It contains verydetailed
scenes on plotting the assassinationof Julius Caesar, which is
one of the important events inthe rise of the Roman Empire.
Who was involved inthe assassination?
The assassinationinvolved60+ senators,including Servillius
Casca, Cassius Longinus and Marcus Brutus.
Why did it happen?
Caesar's reforms greatlyenhanced his standing withRome's
lower- and middle-class populations.But his popularitywith
the Senate was another matter.Envy and concernover
Caesar's increasing power led to angst among a number of
politicians who saw in him an aspiring king. Historyhad
shown that Romans had no desire for monarchical rule.
Legend had it that by the time Caesar came to power it
had been five centuries since they'dlast alloweda king to
rule them.
How did it happen?
Julius’friends triedto stop him fromattending the senatorial meeting His wife,Calpurnia, especially,
who was frightenedby some visions inher dreams, clung to him and said that she would not let him
go out that day. But Brutus,one of the conspirators who were then thought of as a firmfriend,
persuaded him to ignore the apprehensions.
In the Senate hall,Julius Caesar was surrounded by the conspirators.The chaos startedwhenTillius
Cimber grabbed Julius’toga. Servillius Casca made the first stab but missedthe other conspirators
then startedstabbing him using daggers. There was a total of 32 wounds all over his body with1
fatal wound on his chest.
What happened after his death?
Two years after his death, he became the first Roman figure to be deified. The senate also gave
him the title "The Divine Julius".
After his death, his great-grand nephew, Gaius Octavian(later knownas Augustus Caesar),
assembled an army to fight back the militarytroops defending Cassius and Brutus
4. Movie: “Gladiator”
Maximus is a powerful Roman general, lovedby the people
and the aging Emperor, Marcus Aurelius.Before his death,
the Emperor chooses Maximus to be his heir over his own son,
Commodus, and a power struggle leaves Maximus and his
family condemned to death. The powerful general is unable
to save his family, and his loss of will allows him to get
capturedand put into the Gladiator games until he dies. The
only desire that fuels him now is the chance to rise to the top
so that he will be able to look into the eyes of the man who
will feel his revenge.
What was Maximus reallylike?
Maximus Decimus Meridius is a fictitious character!
Although he did not exist,he seems to be a composite of
actual historical figures.Inthe film, Maximus was Marcus
Aurelius'general. There was in fact a general by the name of
Avidius Cassius,who was involvedinthe militarycampaign
shown in the film, and, upon hearing a rumor of Marcus
Aurelius'death, declared himself emperor.He however,was
assassinatedby his own soldiers.It is true that there was, in
the later Empire,a General by the name of Maximus who
appears to have had revolutionaryintentions.He is most likelyan inspirationas well.
Maximus also reminds one of the emperor Diocletian.Remember that in the film,Marcus Aurelius
names Maximus as his heir. Diocletian,who ruled Rome from 284 to 305 CE, was born in the lower
classes,like Maximus. He eventuallybecame his emperor's trustedfavourite andbodyguard, and
later became a general. Finallyhe was named heir, and thus became emperor.
Commodus, in reality,was not murdered in the arena by Maximus. He was however murdered by a
wrestler.So the character Maximus,while fictitious,is not that far-fetched.He appears to be
collage of other,real, historical figures.
As for his personality,he was definitelya stoic,as evidencedby his sense of obligationto the state,
and concern for duty and virtue.This makes sense, givenhis admirationfor Marcus Aurelius,who
was a stoic philosopher.One difficultyis,eventhough many Romans (and not just Christians)
believedinan afterlife,stoics usuallydidnot. So this is problematic withregards to his character in
the film.
Gladiatorial Oath
In the sacramentum gladiatorium'oathof the gladiator'the potential gladiator,slave or hitherto
free man, said "I will endure to be burned, to be bound, to be beaten, and to be killedby the
sword" uri, vinciri,verberari,ferroque necari.This oath bound him so that he was no longer trulyfree.
5. 10 Facts about Gladiators
1. They weren’t always slaves
2. Gladiatorial bouts were originallypart of funeral ceremonies
3. They didn’t always fight to the death
4. The famous ‘thumbs down’ gesture probably didn’t mean death.
5. They were organizedinto different classes and types.
6. They rarelyfought against animals.
7. Womenalso fought as gladiators.
8. Some gladiators organizedthemselves into trade unions.
9. Several Romanemperors participatedinstagedgladiatorial bouts
10. Gladiators oftenbecame celebrities andsex symbols.
**Many Roman gladiators were a little on the husky side. Fighters trainedtheir bodies to the limit,
but their carbohydrate-richdiet of barley porridge oftensaw them pack on fat around their
midsection.This extra flab had a practical purpose, since it helped absorb superficial wounds and
protectedthe gladiator’s vital organs frominjury**
6. Important characters involved.
Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar was born in Rome on 12 or 13 July 100 BC into the prestigious Julianclan. His family
were closelyconnectedwiththe Marian factionin Roman politics.Caesar himself progressed
withinthe Roman political system,becoming in successionquaestor (69), aedile (65)and praetor
(62). In 61-60 BC he servedas governor of the Roman province of Spain.Back in Rome in 60,
Caesar made a pact with Pompey and Crassus, who helped him to get electedas consul for 59
BC. The following year he was appointed governor of Roman Gaul where he stayed for eight years,
adding the whole of modern France and Belgium to the Roman empire,and making Rome safe
from the possibilityof Gallic invasions.He made two expeditions to Britain,in55 BC and 54 BC.
Caesar thenreturnedto Italy,disregarding the authorityof the senate and famously crossing the
Rubicon river without disbanding his army. In the ensuing civil war Caesar defeatedthe republican
forces.Pompey, their leader, fledto Egypt where he was assassinated.Caesar followedhim and
became romanticallyinvolvedwiththe Egyptianqueen, Cleopatra.
Caesar was now master of Rome and made himself consul and dictator.He used his power to
carry out much-needed reform,relieving debt,enlarging the senate, building the Forum Iulium and
revising the calendar.Dictatorship was always regarded a temporarypositionbut in 44 BC, Caesar
took it for life.His success and ambition alienatedstronglyrepublicansenators.A group of 60, led
by Cassius and Brutus,assassinatedCaesar on the Ides (15) of March 44 BC. This sparked the final
round of civil wars that endedthe Republic and brought about the elevationof Caesar's great
nephew and designatedheir, Octavian,as Augustus,the first emperor.
Calpurnia
Calpurnia marriedCaesar in late 59 BC. Contemporary sources describe her as a humble, often
shy woman. No childrenresultedfromtheir union. Julia,Caesar's daughter by his first wife,Cornelia,
was likelyolder than her stepmother,and marriedGnaeus Pompeius Magnus around the same
time.Following Caesar's death in 44 BC, Calpurnia deliveredall Caesar's personal papers, including
his will and notes, and his most precious possessions to the consul Marcus Antonius,one of Caesar's
most trustedallies.She never remarried.
According to a traditionreportedinsome ancient sources, Calpurnia had a premonitionabout her
husband's murder, and endeavouredin vainto warn him. Unaware that he was one of the
conspirators against her husband, she also asked the praetor Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus to send
word to the senate that Caesar was ill and unable to attend.However,Caesar rejectedthis plan,
and Brutus escortedhim into the hands of his enemies.
Marcus Brutus
Marcus Junius Brutus,also calledQuintus Caepio Brutus (born 85 B.C.—died 42 B.C., near Philippi,
Macedonia), Roman politician,one of the leaders in the conspiracy that assassinatedJulius
Caesar in 44 bc. Brutus was the son of Marcus Junius Brutus (who was treacherouslykilledby
Pompey the Great in 77) and Servilia (who later became Caesar’s lover).After his adoptionby an
uncle, Quintus Servilius Caepio,he was commonly calledQuintus Caepio Brutus.
7. Porcia
Porcia was the daughter of Marcus Porcius Cato Uticencis andhis first wife Atilia.She is best known
for being the second wife of Marcus Junius Brutus, the most famous of Julius Caesar's assassins,and
for her suicide,reputedlyby swallowing live coals.
Cassius
Gaius Cassius Longinus (before 85 BC – October 42 BC) was a Roman senator,a leading instigator
of the plot to kill Julius Caesar,[1] and the brother in-law of Marcus Junius Brutus.
Casca
Publius Servilius Casca Longus, Roman tribune in 43 B.C., is the name of the assassinwho first struck
Julius Caesar on the Ides of March, in 44 B.C. The symbol to strike came when Lucius Tilius Cimber
grabbed Caesar's toga and pulledit from his neck. A nervous Casca then stabbed the dictator,
but only managed to graze him around the neck or shoulder.
Marc Anthony
Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony) was born in Rome in 83 B.C. He was relatedon his mother's side to
Julius Caesar. He was froma prominent noble family and servedunder Caesar in Gaul (53-50 B.C.).
He was a main rival of Octavian,Caesar’s adopted son and legal heir.He was reluctant to pass on
Caesar’s legacy to a 17 y-o.
Soonafter,Antony formed a second Triumvirate withOctavianand Lepidus to jointlyrule the
territories.Antonywas givencharge on the east and that was which he starteda romantic affair
withCleopatra. Antony ended his own life when he was toldthat Cleopatra was dead, bothof
them ended up witha suicidal death.
Augustus Caesar
Augustus Caesar of Rome was born withthe givenname Gaius Octavius onSeptember 23,63 B.C.
He took the name Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus (Octavian)in 44 B.C. after the murder of his
great uncle, Julius Caesar. In his will Caesar had adoptedOctavianand made him his heir.
Octavianwas a shrewd, brilliant and astute politician.Through cold, hard political calculationhe
was able to achieve ultimate power in Rome. At the time of Caesar’s assassination,Octavianheld
no official position.Only after he marched on Rome and forcedthe senate to name him consul,
was he establishedas a power to be reckonedwith.
8. Research
ii. Traditions and cultures
Dies Lustricus (Dayof Purification)
Dies Lustricus is a ceremony on the eighthor ninth day after the birthof a
newborn. It carries a special meaning for the newborn. Back then, a large
percentage of childrendidn’t make it past one week due to the
healthcare and technology. Thus, a childis not officiallypart of the family
until dies lustricus passed. It is a norm that babies that dies withinthe week
is buried without a name.
On the dies lustricus,relatives,friends,and evenslaves offeredsmall metal and clay charms that
were strung together and worn around the neck. These playthings, collectivelyknown as
crepundia, entertainedthe baby withtheir rattling andjingling and warded off evil spirits lurking
near the child. Furthermore onthis day, the child was exposedto a successionof ritual dangers
designed to demonstrate the child’s fitness for acceptance into a Roman family. And finally,the
dies lustricus marked the occasionon which an infant receivedhis bulla and name.
What is a crepundia?
Tiny metal trinkets strung around the baby’s neck like a rattle presentedas gifts by the guests at the
lustratio.
What is a bulla?
A bulla is a metallic locket withcharms to ward off evil spirits fromthe newborn. It is a good luck
charm that is worn by childrenthroughout their childhood. The children’s names are oftencarved
on their bulla.
[1] [2] [3]
[1] crepundia; [2] bulla; [3] Dies Lustricus
9. Poena Cullei (Punishment of the Sack)
Poena Cullei is a Roman capital punishment imposedfor parricide:the
culprit was drowned in a leather sack together witha cock, a dog, a
serpent,and a monkey
What is parricide?
The act of killing one's father (patricide),or less usually mother
(matricide)or other close relative,but usually not children(infanticide).
The act of killing a person (suchas the ruler of one's country) who
stands in a relationship resembling that of a father.
How was Poena Cullei practiced?
The guiltyone’s head muffledin a wolf-skin,his feet thrust into woodenshoes. He is whipped until
bleeding profusely,tiedup in a sack with a dog, a cock, a viper and a monkey, dragged by black
oxen to a body of water and thrownthere to drown. Or let wildanimals tear him apart. Or burn
him.
Traditional Clothing
Men
Roman men generallywore two garments, the tunica and the toga.
Tunica is a short woolen under garment withshort sleeves.Tunics are worn by the people when
they’re withinthe comforts of their homes. The tunic worn by patricianmen was made by white
wool while the poor wears whatever fabric was readilyavailable.
Similar to the toga,distinct tunics were wornto signify one’s title. The lengthof the garment, the
presence or lack of stripes,as well as their widthand ornamentation,would indicate the
wearer's status in Roman society. In addition,a belt would be worn around the waist of the
tunica to hold the waist of the garment snug, giving the impressionof a two piece garment
Toga is a distinct Roman garment that only actual citizens are allowedto wear. Its
distinct purpose was to indicate peaceful endeavors,as opposed to the sagum
cloak, worn during times of war. The toga is a large cumbersome robe like
garment of white wool and used up to 9 yards of material.
Being such a bulky and uncomfortable article of clothing,it became customaryin
later times to wear it only on state occasions.All togas are not the same and each
distinctive type couldmark a Roman’s societal status or title.
10. Women
The stola was a dress worn over the tunic by Roman matrons (marriedwomen). It came as
low as the ankles or feet and was fastenedround the body by a girdle withbroad folds
above the breast.The essential distinctionbetweenthe tunic and the stola seems to have
been that the latter always had an Instita or flounce sewedto the bottomand reaching to
the instep.The stola seems to have been usually fastenedover the shoulder by a Fibula or
clasp, and generallyhad sleeves.
Palla is a traditional ancient Roman mantle worn by women, fastened by
brooches. It was similar to the pallium that a man would wear. The shape was
rectangular insteadof semi-circular as withthe traditional toga.The Palla was
similar to a shawl that a woman of today would wear. The palla would come in
many colors some including blue, green, and yellow.
The palla is a single piece of material draped over the shoulders and around the
body or over the head as well.
How to wear a toga (men)?
How to wear a toga (women)?
11. Thumb Signal
The Latin phrase pollice v erso is used in the context ofgladiatorial
combat for a hand gesture used by Ancient Roman crowds to pass
judgment on a defeated gladiator. However, the precise type of
gesture described by the phrase pollice v erso and its meaningare
unclear in the historical and literary record.
In modern popular culture, it is assumed that "thumbs down"was the
signal that a defeated gladiator should be condemnedto death;
"thumbs up", that he should be spared.The latter view was
popularized by a widely reproducedpaintingby the 19th-century
artist Jean-Léon Gérôme, whose Pollice Verso (usually known in English as "Thumbs Down") depicts a triumphant
gladiator lookingup into the stands for the v erdict ofthe crowd.
BathingCulture
Of all the leisure activities,bathing was surelythe most important for
the greatest number of Romans, since it was part of the daily
regimen for men of all classes,and many women as well. We think
of bathing as a veryprivate activityconductedin the home, but
bathing in Rome was a communal activity,conductedfor the most
part in public facilities that insome ways resembledmodern spas or
healthclubs.
Although wealthyRomans might set up a bath in their townhouses
or especiallyintheir countryvillas,heating a series of rooms or even
a separate building especiallyfor this purpose, eventhey oftenfrequentedthe numerous public
bathhouses in the cities and towns throughout the empire.Small bathhouses, calledbalneae,
might be privatelyowned, but they were public in the sense that they were open to the populace
for a fee, which was usually quite reasonable.The large baths, calledthermae, were owned by the
state and oftencoveredseveral cityblocks.Fees for both types of baths were quite reasonable,
withinthe budget of most free Roman males. Since the Roman workday began at sunrise,work
was usually over at little after noon.About 2:00-3:00 pm, men would go to the baths and plan to
stay for several hours of sport,bathing, and conversation,after whichthey would be ready for a
relaxing dinner. Republican bathhouses oftenhad separate bathing facilities for womenand men,
but by the empire the custom was to open the bathhouses to women during the early part of the
day and reserve it for men from2:00 pm until closing time (usuallysundown, though we
occasionallyhear of a bath being used at night). For example, one contract for the management
of a provincial bathspecifiedthat the facilitywouldbe open to women from daybreak until about
noon, and to men from about 2:00 pm until sunset;although the women got the less desirable
hours, their fee was twice as high as the men's, 1 as (a copper coin) for a woman and ½ as for a
man. Mixed bathing was generallyfrowned upon, although the fact that various emperors
repeatedlyforbade it seems to indicate that the prohibitions didnot always work. Certainlywomen
who were concerned about their respectabilitydidnot frequent the baths when the men were
there,but of course the baths were an excellent place for prostitutes to plytheir trade.
12. Research
iii. Myths
Aeneas
The national epic of Rome, the Aeneid of Virgil,tells the storyof how
the Trojanprince Aeneas came to Italy. The Aeneid was written
under Augustus,who claimedancestry throughJulius Caesar from
the hero and his mother Venus.
According to the Aeneid, the survivors fromthe fallencityof Troy
banded together under Aeneas, underwent a series of adventures
around the MediterraneanSea, including a stop at newly founded
Carthage under the rule of Queen Dido, and eventuallyreached
the Italiancoast.
The Trojans were thought to have landed in an area betweenmodern Anzio and Fiumicino,
southwest of Rome: probably at Laurentum, or in other versions,at Lavinium,a place named for
Lavinia,the daughter of King Latinus,whom Aeneas married.
Through a series of armed conflicts,the Trojans won the right to stay and to assimilate withthe local
peoples. The young son of Aeneas, Ascanius, also known as Iulus, went on to found Alba Longa
and the line of Alban kings who filledthe chronological gap between the Trojan saga and the
traditional founding of Rome in the 8thcentury BC.
Toward the end of this line, King Procas was the father of Numitor and Amulius. At Procas' death,
Numitor became king of Alba Longa, but Amulius captured him and sent him to prison; he also
forcedthe daughter of Numitor,Rhea Silvia,to become a virginpriestess among the Vestals.For
many years Amulius was then the king. The tortuous nature of the chronology is indicatedby Rhea
Silvia's ordinationamong the Vestals,whose order was traditionallysaidto have been founded by
the successor of Romulus, Numa Pompilius
Romulus and Remus
The iconof Rome's foundation, a life-size bronze statue of a she-wolf with
two human infants suckling her, is about 1,700 years younger than its city,
Rome's officials admittedonSaturday. The official announcement, made
at the Capitoline Museums, where the 30 inch-high bronze is the
centerpiece of a dedicatedroom, quashes the belief that the sculpture
was adopted by the earliest Romans as a symbol for their city.
Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome. Traditionally,they
were the sons of Rhea Silvia,daughter of Numitor,king of Alba Longa.
Numitor had been deposed by his younger brother Amulius,who forcedRhea to become one of
the Vestal Virgins (andthereby vow chastity)inorder to prevent her from giving birthto potential
claimants to the throne. Nevertheless, Rhea bore the twins Romulus and Remus, fatheredby the
war god Mars. Amulius ordered the infants drowned in the Tiber River,but the trough in which they
were placedfloateddown the river and came to rest at the site of the future Rome, near the Ficus
13. ruminalis,a sacredfig tree of historical times.There a she-wolf and a woodpecker—bothsacredto
Mars—suckledand fed them until they were found by the herdsman Faustulus.
Reared by Faustulus and his wife, Acca Larentia,the twins became leaders of a band of
adventurous youths, eventuallykilling Amulius and restoring their grandfather to the throne. They
subsequentlyfounded a townon the site where they had been saved.WhenRomulus built a city
wall, Remus jumped over it and was killedby his brother.
Romulus consolidatedhis power, and the citywas named for him. He increasedits populationby
offering asylum to fugitives andexiles.He invitedthe neighboring Sabines to a festival and
abducted their women. The women marriedtheir captors and intervenedto prevent the Sabines
from seizing the city. In accordance witha treatydrawn up betweenthe two peoples,Romulus
acceptedthe Sabine king Titus Tatius as his coruler.Titus Tatius’s earlydeath left Romulus sole king
again, and after a long rule he mysteriouslydisappearedin a storm.Believing that he had been
changed into a god, the Romans worshipedhim as the deityQuirinus.
14. Research
iv. Social strata
King
The king was the head of the people,
chief priest,leader in war, and the
judge whose sentence couldn't be
appealed. He convenedthe Senate.
He was accompanied by 12 lictors
who carrieda bundle of rods witha
symbolic death-wielding axe in the
center of the bundle (the fasces).
However much power the king had,
he could be kickedout. After the
expulsionof the last of the Tarquin
kings, the 7 kings of Rome were
remembered withsuch hatred that
there were never again kings in Rome.
Patrician
The patricians were the upper class of Rome. Two Latinterms are used to designate them,
patres and patricii.Where exactlytheycome from is not known, but many people have
theorizedabout it and repeatedwhat traditions claim.Here you'll read about a few of
these ideas.
Patricians may have originallybeenrelatives of the patres 'fathers', the heads of the
families of the old tribes of Rome. Patres could refer to members of the senate,since
during the Republic, the senators were referredto as patres et conscripti 'conscript (and)
fathers,'whether or not they were patricians.
On the other hand, Patres sometimes referrednot to the senate but to patricians.
Staveleysays that traditionalists have no sense of confusion. "For them the original Senate
of Romulus, which derivedits collective title patres fromthe fact of its being an assembly of
patres familiae,was itself all-patrician." The plebeianelement of the Senate was found in
the conscripti,as distinct fromthe patres.Patres et conscripti mayhave later been used to
distinguishthe senators createdinthe regal periodfrom ones added later or it may have
distinguishedhereditarysenators fromnon-hereditaryones in the Regal period. However,
the termpatricii also designates the hereditarysenators.
Equestrian
Equites were Roman horsemen or knights.The name is derivedfromthe Latinfor horse,
equus. The equites came to be a social class.A single member of the equestrianclass was
calledan eques.
An eques was bound to a certainnumber of campaigns, but no more than ten. Upon
completiontheyenteredthe first class.
Whenan eques was deemed unworthy, he was toldto sell his horse (vende equum). When
no disgrace was involved,someone no longer fit wouldbe toldto lead his horse on. There
was a waiting list to replace the dismissedeques.
Plebeian
The term plebeian is synonymous withlower class.In earlyRome, the plebeians (also
known simply as plebs) may have been that part of the Roman populationwhose origin
15. was among the conquered Latins (as opposed to the Roman conquerors). Plebeians were
contrastedwiththe patriciannobility.Inthe periodof the earlyRoman Republic,
membership in the Senate may have been denied to the plebeians,and restrictedto the
patricians.Since the ruling body of the Senate was more interestedinitself thanothers,the
plebeians suffered. Over time the plebeians were able to amass wealthand great power.
By the time of Caesar, the patricianClaudius chose to become a plebeian (something he
could do through adoption) in order to hold an important political office,the Tribune of
the Plebs.
Proletariat
In contrast withthe plebeians,who startedas the poor, but wound up with power and
money, and the noble patricians,who startedout withland and continuedto hold certain
aristocratic privileges,the landless proletariat was the lowest class of citizens inancient
Rome. It was for the proletariat that the Romans institutedthe dole that we commonly
hear called"bread and circuses." By bread and circuses is meant public entertainment in
the arena (circuses)and a rationof grain (bread). The first part of the word proletariat
contains the Latinword proles,which means offspring.The proletariats were "producers of
offspring."
Freeman
Rome differedfromGreek city-states inallowing freedslaves to become citizens.The act
of freeing a slave was called manumissio, from manus, "hand" (inthe sense of holding or
possessing something),and missio,the act of releasing.After manumission, a slave who
had belonged to a Roman citizenenjoyed not only passive freedomfrom ownership, but
active political freedom (libertas),including the right to vote.[1] A slave who had acquired
libertas was thus a libertus ("freedperson," feminine liberta)inrelationto his former master,
who then became his patron (patronus).
Slaves
They were people who were frequentlycaptured in battle and sent back to Rome to be
sold. However,abandoned childrencould also be brought up as slaves.The law also
statedthat fathers couldsell their older childrenif they were in need of money.
Once bought, a slave was a slave for life.A slave couldonly get their freedomif they were
givenit by their owner or if they bought their freedom. To buy your freedom, you had to
raise the same sum of money that your master had paid for you – a virtually impossible task.
If a slave is marriedand had children, the children would automaticallybecome slaves.
Young childrenwere sometimes killedbytheir parents rather than let them become slaves.
A slave’s day began at daybreak. If his master livedina cold climate,the first job of the
day for a day would be to fire up the hypocaust. Whenhis master awoke, a slave would
be expectedto assist dressing him. Whenthe day properlybegan, a whole group of slaves
startedset tasks,suchas walking children to school,cleaning a villa,washing clothes,
tidying a garden etc. A group of slaves wouldwork in a kitchenpreparing the day’s meals.
Whena richman and his family bathed at home, slaves wouldhelp out by drying them
once they had finishedand dressing them. Whena master movedaround, slaves would
carry him in a litter.Whena master entertained,slaves wouldensure a constant supply of
food and drink. If guests had to returnhome and it was dark, a slave or slaves wouldwalk
ahead of them witha lightedtorch.
16. Research
v. Architecture
One of the things the Romans are most famous for is their architecture.The Romans
brought a lot of new ideas to architecture,of which the three most important are the arch,
the baked brick, and the use of cement and concrete.
Bath house
Baths for bathing and relaxing were a common feature of Roman
cities throughout the empire.The oftenhuge bath complexes
included a wide diversityof rooms offering different temperatures
and facilities suchas swimming pools and places to read, relax,and
socialise.Roman baths, withtheir need for large open spaces, were
also important drivers inthe evolutionof architecture offering the
first dome structures inClassical architecture.
Typical elements of a roman bath
Apodyterium: Changing rooms.
Palaestrae:Exercise rooms.
Notatio:Open-air swimming pool.
Laconica and sudatoria: Superheateddry and wet sweating-rooms.
Calidarium: Hot room, heated and witha hot-water pool and a separate basin on a stand
(labrum)
Tepidarium: Warmroom, indirectlyheatedand witha tepidpool.
Frigidarium:Cool room, unheated and witha cold-water basin, oftenmonumental in size
and domed, it was the heart of the baths complex.
Rooms for massage and other health treatments.
**Additional facilities couldinclude cold-water plunge baths, private baths,toilets,libraries,lecture
halls, fountains,and outdoor gardens.
Heating System
The first baths seemto have lackeda high degree of planning and were oftenunsightly
assemblages of diverse structures.However,by the 1st century CE the baths became beautifully
symmetrical and harmonious structures,oftenset ingardens and parks. Early baths were heated
using braziers,but from the 1st centuryBCE more sophisticatedheating systems were usedsuch as
under-floor (hypocaust) heating fuelledby wood-burning furnaces (prafurniae). This was not a new
idea as Greek baths also employed such a systembut, as was
typical of the Romans, theytook an idea and improvedupon it for
maximum efficiency.The huge fires fromthe furnaces sent warm air
under the raisedfloor (suspensurae) which stoodon narrow pillars
(pilae)of solidstone,hollow cylinders,or polygonal or circular bricks.
The floors were pavedover with60 cm square tiles (bipedales)which
were thencoveredindecorative mosaics.
Walls couldalso provide heating withthe insertionof hollow
rectangular tubes (tubuli)which carriedthe hot air providedby the furnaces. In addition,special
17. bricks (tegulae mammatae) had bosses at the corners of one side which trappedhot air and
increasedinsulationagainst heat loss. The use of glass for windows from the 1st century CE also
permitteda better regulationof temperatures andallowedthe sun to add its own heat to the
room.
The vast amount of water needed for the larger baths was supplied by purpose built aqueducts
and regulatedby huge reservoirs inthe baths complex. The reservoir of the Baths of Diocletianin
Rome, for example, could hold 20,000 m³ of water.Water was heated in large lead boilers fitted
over the furnaces. The water could be added (via leadpipes) to the heated pools by using a
bronze half-cylinder (testudo)connectedto the boilers.Once releasedinto the pool the hot water
circulatedby convection.
Influence in Architecture
Baths and the need to create large airy rooms withlofty ceilings brought the development of the
architectural dome.The earliest surviving dome in Roman architecture is fromthe frigidariumof the
StabianBaths at Pompeii,which dates to the 2nd century BCE. The development of concrete in
the formof stiff mortaredrubble allowedunsupported walls to be built ever wider apart,as did
hollow brick barrel vaults supportedbybuttress arches and the use of iron tie bars. These features
would become widely used in other public buildings and especiallyinlarge constructions suchas
basilicae.Evenin modern times Roman baths have continuedto influence designers, for example,
both the Chicago Railroad Stationand the Pennsylvania StationinNew York have perfectly
copied the architecture of the great frigidariumof the Baths of Caracalla.
18. Research
vi. Summary
In the plot,we will include the dictatorship of Julius Caesar that ledto the disagreement of
his senators and subsequently invitedthe deathof Julius Caesar during the assassination.
Focus will be givenon pre- and post-assassinationas it is the chosen timeline of research.
Thus, Julius Caesar’s heir and Rome’s conditionafter his rule is also included in the plot.
Several Romancultures amd traditions will also be includedin the plot which includes Dies
Lustricus during Caesar’s birthand also Poena Cullei (Punishment of the Sack)towards
some of the conspirators after the assassination.Additionally,bathcultures will also be
added into the plot as it is one of the daily activities of the ancient Romans
Most of the characters will be dressedin togas or armors as it is the basic formal wear
during that time.There will only be one female character in this plot,which will be Porcia
Catonis. She is the wife of Marcus Brutus and the only woman that knew about the plot of
the assassinationbeforehand.
All in all, the plot will be ranging from when Julius is born until the death of Augustus Caesar,
aka Octavian.
19. Sketch
i. Plot Summary
Julius Caesar was born in 100 B.C., Dies Lustricus is celebratedto welcome him to his familyofficially.Julius
Caesar grew up as a successful orator,politicianand general.He expanded the Roman map greatlyand
did a number of contributions towards the Roman society.His power grew and soon he started a
dictatorship inRome which led to the actions of the conspirators.
In 44 BC, Julius Caesar returns to Rome in triumph,having defeatedthe sons of his archenemy, Pompey the
Great. A Soothsayer warns him of the possibilityof trouble and to "beware the Ides of March." Caesar
ignores him and proceeds to enjoy his triumph.
Conspirators (whichinclude Cassius and Casca ), are envious of Caesar's popularityand begin to plot
against him. They enlist Caesar's good friend, Marcus Brutus, as a member of their group. The conspirators
believe he can easily be swayed to jointhem by convincing himthat Caesar is a threat to the good of
Rome and Cassius begins to plants seeds of doubt in Brutus by telling himstories that portrayCaesar as
being weak and vulnerable. Brutus feels he has a moral obligationto protect Rome against such leadership
and after much deliberation,decides it wouldbe in the best interests of Rome if Caesar were to be killed
before problems have time to develop.
Brutus is disturbedby the plan. Portia sensedsomething but Brutus is reluctant to tell her his plans. Portia felt
distrustedandwounded herself on the thigh to show her loyaltyto her spouse. She endured the pain of the
unattended wound for days. Finally, Brutus toldher the plan, she was the only woman that was aware of
the plan
Aides to Caesar try to convince himthat there are conspirators plotting to kill him.Caesar refuses to listen,
believing himself to be invulnerable.He proceeds to the Senate House, where his "friends" surround him and
stab him to death. Brutus delivers the final blow.When he is recognized by his dying friend, Caesar utters in
total disbelief the famous phrase, "Et tu, Brute?" (And you too,Brutus?)
Caesar’s body was prepared for the burial.The roman burial rituals and preparations were followedstrictly.
At Caesar's funeral, Brutus tells the citizens that Caesar has been killedbecause his ambitionwas a threat to
their liberties andbased upon their approving reactionmakes way for Antony to give his eulogy. Antony
convinces the crowd to turn against the conspirators,reminding themof Caesar's goodness and telling
them Caesar left themeach a sizeable inheritance.The army of conspirators has to flee the cityin order to
escape the wrath of the mob.
Antony allies himself withCaesar's heir, Octavius,and withAemilius Lepidus.The three men declare
themselves the SecondTriumvirate of Rome and propose to jointlyrule inthe wake of Caesar's reign.
Almost immediately,theytry to out-maneuver one another to gain more power. They also declare a civil
war against Brutus, Cassius, and the conspirators.Further manipulationand bloodshed ensue, but in the
end, Caesars murder is avengedand order is restoredto Rome.
Soonafter,Octavianbecame the first emperor of Rome with the name Emperor Augustus.
20. ii. Script
ACT 1: EARLY LIFE OF JULIUS CAESAR
Scene 1: Day of Purification ofJulius Caesar
Synopsis: The 8th day purification ritual after the birth ofJulius Caesar
On the 9th day after the baby was born, Dies Lustricus is celebrated withjoy in the family of Caesar.
Slav e: What a beautiful baby! Here’s a clay charm for your crepundia. May it ward offthe ev il spirits around
you.
Pope: [Carries baby out from the cot and placed him on his father’s feet]
Father: [Lifts baby from his feet] JULIUS CAESAR SHALL HE BE NAMED!
Pope: On this blessed day shall we welcome a baby boy, Julius to the Caesar’s. May he grow up with health
and peace to become a strongman! [Wears a bulla on the baby]
******END OF SCENE******
Scene 2: Julius Caesar the Dictator
Synopsis: Changes made by Julius Caesar.
At a youngage, Julius Caesar was inv olvedin the Roman military. He then began his career as a lawyer at the age of22
because ofhis fluency in speech. He was eventually elected as consul whichwas a pointoftime when his power started
to grow.
Duringhis years of gov erningRome, he made changes that are still used until present times. For example:
Peasant 1: What day is today?
Peasant 2: 45th day of July
Peasant 1: Are you still using the old calendar? It has beenchanged, don’t you know?
Peasant 2: Oh really? Do you have a copy ofit?
Peasant 1: Ofcourse, Let me search for it.. There! For the new calendar, there are only 12 months in a year and
30 days in a month. It’s actually accordingto the constellation.
Peasant 2: Oh I see… This must be one of the changes done by General Caesar.
Peasant 1: [Nods head]
Meanwhile in Caesar’s residence,
Brutus: Welcome home The Great General! Another land conquered.Have I ever told you that you NEVER LOSE
A WAR?
JC: Thanks for the welcome Brutus. How was the state while I’m away?
21. Brutus: Well ev erythingwent well; we made the changes you requested on the law andenforcement. The
people were happywith it.
JC: They should be happy. Justice will be serv edwiththose changes; the Romans will liv e a better life.
Brutus: All thanks to you!
Julius Caesar’s power increased day by day. His great power then, eventually, led to his death…
******End of Scene******
ACT 2: ASSASINATION OF JULIUS CAESAR
Scene 1: Alliance between Casca, Cassius and Brutus.
Synopsis: Casca and Cassius convinced Brutus( a close friend of JC to join their plan to assassinate JC.
Setting: Bath house
Just as any other Romans, Brutus was cleaninghimselfin the bath house after a longdays work. He was enjoyinghis bath
whilst singinghis fav orite song. *Singingin the shower~*. Suddenly, there were unwantedguests in his priv ate cubicle. He
felt insecure.
Cassius and Casca: Greetings Brutus.
Brutus: Oh what a “pleasant surprise”
Cassius: Pleasant indeed. In fact, we have plottedsomethinginterestingandwouldlike you to lead us.
Brutus: I hav e nothingto do with all your ev il plans. Leavethis place before I call the guards.
Casca: Why the hassle? Don’t you thinkJulius had beentoo dominant?Don’t you feel annoyed when he
bosses around everything?Don’t you feel like gettingrid of him once and for all?
Cassius: He’s gradually imaginghimselfas an aspiringking. It has been 5 centuries since we allowed a kingto
rule us. Clearly a monarchial rule is the last thingus Romans wants, Brutus.
Brutus: Stop all these nonsense! He’s my friend! *Don’t call my name Don’t call my name*
Cassius: Only a fool will take him as a friend.
Casca: Thinkabout it Brutus.
After another few times of brainwashing, Brutus fell into the trap by trustingthe words ofCassius and Casca. He allied
with them and plannedthe assassinationthoroughly. [Guys continue to silent talk. Then shakes hand]
******END OF SCENE******
Scene 2: Portia, the only woman that knew the plot.
Synopsis: Portia hurt herselfon the thigh to prov e her trustworthy.
Setting: Roman home
22. Back at home, Portia was preparingdinner for the family. She was troubled by the thought ofbeingdistrusted by her
husband,Brutus.
[Monologue] Brutus had beenweird these days; he didn’t evenfinish his fiv e bowls ofrice yesterday. He
seemed troubled but he wouldn’t tell. Am I not trustworthy to him? Whyis he hidingfrom me?
To prov e her trustworthiness, Portia madea deep cut on her thigh and left the woundunattended. She hopes to earn
Brutus trust by enduringthe pain on her wound. And finally she succeeded.
Brutus: My beautiful wife, do not feel terrified as I announce to you thatI shall kill Julius Caesar!
Portia: [Startled face]
******END OF SCENE******
Scene 3: The Assassination
Synopsis: JC was killed with 23 stabs all ov er his body.
Setting: Senatorial Hall
Antonio was walkingdown the Hall when he overheardBrutus andCassius’ conversation.
Cassius: JC will be attendingthe senatorial meetingtoday. It’s our only chance but wehave limited time. JC
will be headingeast after the meeting.
Brutus: I will inform the others about the assassination. We will surround him in the hall, he shall not escape!
Cassius: We shall not fail. For Rome!
Antonio: [Monologue] JC is in danger. I have to stop him from enteringthe senate!
The plotters however hadanticipatedthis. Fearingthat Antonio will come to Caesar’s aid, they assigned Casca to stall
him from approachingCaesar by detaininghim outside ofthe Theatre ofPompeii. Meanwhile, the conspirators crowded
around Caesar in the hall.
Brutus: [Giv ingsupport to JC] Watchyour step Caesar.
JC: [Waves him away]
Brutus: [Grabs JC’s shoulder and tore his tunic]
JC: Why. THIS ISVIOLENCE!
Casca: [Tookout his dagger and thrust at JC’s neck]
With a quickturn and a catch, JC savedhimselffrom the attacker.
JC: Casca, you v illain, what are you doing?
Casca: Help brothers!
Within moments, the dictator was stroked with multiple stabs. Blinded by his blood, he tripped, andfell. Defenseless, he
lay on the floor with 22 stabs. Duringthe commotion, he saw a familiar face, Brutus.
23. JC: Et tu, Brute?
Brutus: [Comes forward. Kneel down andsupportedJC from the back. Stabs JC on the chest.]
JC: [Dies]
Brutus: ROME IS FREE AGAIN!!
******End of Scene******
Scene 4: Funeral and Burial of Julius Caesar
Caesar’s body was preparedfor burial. His body was washedandscrubbedbefore puttinghim into his finest clothes. All
the crowns and tokens he earned is put together with the corpse. A golden coin was placed in his mouth to pay for the
boat ride to the underworld.
At his funeral,
Brutus: Julius Caesar, our mighty general was killed because his ambition is becominga threat to us. He
deserv es deathas he was planningto force Rome into a monarchial system!
Antonio: NONSENSE! Julius never had any planofgettinghimself a throne. It was a case of murder out of
jealousy! As a friend I am totally disappointed in your actions andmaturity. Have you forgotten all the good of
Caesar? He risked his life in battles for a better life for the Romans. He didn’t risk his life for himself. In fact he left
us each a sizeable inheritance. [Facingthe crowd] These people are murderers! They cannotlive!
Augustus: Here I stand as the heir of Caesar, these conspirators must die. People of Rome… [Raises thumb to
the air]
With the agreement ofthe mob, the conspirators were giv en deathsentences. Brutus, Cassius and Cascawere left in a
sack with a snake, a chicken, a monkey and a dog. They were then thrown into the sea. Since then,they were never
heard.
******End of Scene******
ACT 3: AUGUSTUS CAESAR ANDTHEDEMOCRATICROME
Scene 1: Augustus inherited Rome as Emperor
After the burial of the late Julius Caesar, and the deathofthe conspirators, Antonio allied with Lepidus andOctavian,
forming the second triumv irate to jointly rule Caesar’s reign.
Antonio: We will share our power by dividingthe territories. Any objections?
Augustus: I agree with a condition, the west will be under my control
Antonio: Certainly, and I will take the east and Lepidus shall take Africa.
Augustus: For peace and Rome. Prost!
Soon after, Augustus Caesar was crowned as the first emperor in the Roman history. The coronation was held.
24. Pope: Hear our prayer, Lord, and those ofyour serv ant. Look, Almighty God, with a serene gaze on this, your
glorious serv ant,... [Place golden crown] Through whom honor andglory are yours through infinite ages of ages.
Amen. [Passes sword]
Pope: Receiv e this sword bythe hands ofbishops, who, thoughunworthy, are consecratedto be in the place
and authority of the holy Apostles, deliver it to you, with our blessing, to serv e for the defense of the holy Church,
div inely ordained, andremember ofwhom the Psalmist prophesised, saying, 'Gird the sword upon your thigh, O
most Powerful One, that with it you may exercise equity.
Augustus: I, Augustus Caesar take my oath as the emperor of Rome. I shall protect my land, expand it. Rome
shall be the richest land with educatedpeople. I will protect the dignity ofmy land with my life. Rome and I
shall be as one!
Pope: And I announce you Emperor Augustus. You may kiss your throne.
******End of Scene******
Scene 2: Augustus Caesar expands the mapofRome.
The crowningofAugustus Caesar started a monarchial system in Rome. As promised, he improv ed life at Rome.
Augustus: Anthony, get the finest craftsmen to fix the temples around.
Anthony: Yes your majesty.
Augustus: And also the public facilities, we’ll have marbles on the wall. And also send orders to repaint all
gov ernmental andholy buildings white.
Anthony: Your words shall be made reality sire.
Within the year, 82 temples in Rome were fixed and religion was giv en attention once again. Besides, Augustus Caesar
also kept his promise on the map ofRome.
Augustus: [Looking at map] There is still so many land not conqueredon this map. I shall take them down one
after another. Hmm, let’s see.. Britain shall take the lead. PREPARE THE TROOPS! WE SHALL LEAVE IN A MONTH.
Year after year, Augustus Caesar expanded the Roman map, from Britain to Spain and Turkey. [Romanmap expands]
Under Augustus Caesar’s care, Rome entered Pax Romana, which was 200 years ofpeace.
Augustus Caesar died at the age of 77, his empire secured and peace. Soon after his death, ARoman Senate officially
declared their departedemperor, like Julius Caesar before him, to be a god.
Before his last breath, Augustus said to his follower
Augustus: I found Rome of clay; I leav e it to you of marble.
******END OF PLAY******
