1 00:00:01,566 --> 00:00:04,733 - Hi, I'm Rick Steves, back with more of the best of Europe. 2 00:00:04,733 --> 00:00:07,233 This time, rather than a particular place, 3 00:00:07,233 --> 00:00:09,933 we're going thematic and traveling anywhere 4 00:00:09,933 --> 00:00:11,633 that theme takes us. 5 00:00:11,633 --> 00:00:15,000 This time, it's the art of the Roman Empire. 6 00:00:15,000 --> 00:00:19,566 Consider this, at its peak, the word Rome meant not the city 7 00:00:19,566 --> 00:00:23,566 but what Romans considered the entire civilized world. 8 00:00:23,566 --> 00:00:26,666 Hop on our chariot as we leave the city of Rome 9 00:00:26,666 --> 00:00:29,733 for the marvels of its far flung empire. 10 00:00:29,733 --> 00:00:30,900 Thanks for joining us. 11 00:00:32,233 --> 00:00:34,800 (light music) 12 00:01:03,833 --> 00:01:06,133 Ancient Rome lasted 1,000 years. 13 00:01:06,133 --> 00:01:09,166 Roughly 500 BC to 500 AD. 14 00:01:09,166 --> 00:01:12,000 It grew for 500 years, peaked for 200 years, 15 00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:14,566 and fell for 300 years. 16 00:01:14,566 --> 00:01:17,966 Over those centuries the Romans, with their vast empire, 17 00:01:17,966 --> 00:01:20,933 gave Europe its first taste of a common culture. 18 00:01:20,933 --> 00:01:24,733 And left an enduring legacy of great art. 19 00:01:24,733 --> 00:01:26,666 We'll start at the peak of the empire. 20 00:01:26,666 --> 00:01:28,800 The first and second centuries when no one 21 00:01:28,800 --> 00:01:30,600 could stand against the emperor. 22 00:01:30,600 --> 00:01:33,833 A forced peace called the Pax Romana. 23 00:01:33,833 --> 00:01:35,933 Walking streets that still survive 24 00:01:35,933 --> 00:01:38,133 and marveling at art that told its story, 25 00:01:38,133 --> 00:01:41,200 gives a sense of a cohesive empire made possible 26 00:01:41,200 --> 00:01:45,900 by great roads and infrastructure as never before seen. 27 00:01:45,900 --> 00:01:47,833 Touring the remains of Roman cities 28 00:01:47,833 --> 00:01:52,133 from Anatolia to Britannia, we'll see the art of empire. 29 00:01:52,133 --> 00:01:54,833 But then as Rome fell, the empire split 30 00:01:54,833 --> 00:01:57,933 and retreated east to Constantinople. 31 00:01:57,933 --> 00:02:00,433 Ruled from there, the empire carried on, 32 00:02:00,433 --> 00:02:03,066 leaving sumptuous art and a cultural heritage 33 00:02:03,066 --> 00:02:04,733 that would provide a foundation 34 00:02:04,733 --> 00:02:07,200 for the rise of today's Europe. 35 00:02:09,233 --> 00:02:11,933 Exploring the far reaches of the vast Roman Empire, 36 00:02:11,933 --> 00:02:15,033 we'll travel from the capital to Pompeii in the south 37 00:02:15,033 --> 00:02:18,333 and to Bath and Hadrian's Wall in the north. 38 00:02:18,333 --> 00:02:20,933 We'll see cultural treasures from southern France 39 00:02:20,933 --> 00:02:23,566 to great cities in the east, like Ravenna, 40 00:02:23,566 --> 00:02:25,866 Ephesus, and Constantinople. 41 00:02:29,300 --> 00:02:31,833 Under the Pax Romana, the Romans ruled an empire 42 00:02:31,833 --> 00:02:34,633 stretching from the Nile all the way to Britain. 43 00:02:34,633 --> 00:02:35,900 And it was laced together 44 00:02:35,900 --> 00:02:38,033 with an extraordinary network of roads. 45 00:02:38,033 --> 00:02:40,633 Travelers today can find remains of the empire 46 00:02:40,633 --> 00:02:43,300 throughout most of Europe and everywhere 47 00:02:43,300 --> 00:02:45,266 you'll find the same features. 48 00:02:46,466 --> 00:02:48,466 The same grid planned streets. 49 00:02:49,966 --> 00:02:51,033 The aqueducts. 50 00:02:52,333 --> 00:02:54,366 Colosseum inspired arenas. 51 00:02:56,266 --> 00:02:57,066 Baths. 52 00:03:00,100 --> 00:03:01,400 Public toilets. 53 00:03:03,500 --> 00:03:04,466 Temples. 54 00:03:06,533 --> 00:03:07,633 Monuments. 55 00:03:09,300 --> 00:03:11,733 And on pedestals far and wide, 56 00:03:11,733 --> 00:03:13,500 a statue of the emperor. 57 00:03:16,966 --> 00:03:19,366 Pompeii, an early conquest of Rome, 58 00:03:19,366 --> 00:03:22,033 was a typical Roman city in southern Italy 59 00:03:22,033 --> 00:03:24,266 with all those typical features. 60 00:03:25,566 --> 00:03:27,633 From forums, temples. 61 00:03:29,266 --> 00:03:31,333 To public baths. 62 00:03:31,333 --> 00:03:32,800 And brothels. 63 00:03:33,966 --> 00:03:37,966 But with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, 64 00:03:37,966 --> 00:03:41,633 life in Pompeii was stopped in its tracks. 65 00:03:41,633 --> 00:03:44,400 Tragic, I know, but for archeologists, 66 00:03:44,400 --> 00:03:47,233 Pompeii was a shake and bake windfall. 67 00:03:47,233 --> 00:03:50,500 The excavated art and architecture of this once busy town 68 00:03:50,500 --> 00:03:53,200 offers an intimate look at the richness 69 00:03:53,200 --> 00:03:54,833 of ancient Roman life. 70 00:03:55,933 --> 00:03:58,400 (light music) 71 00:03:59,833 --> 00:04:03,000 The main square, or forum, was Pompeii's commercial, 72 00:04:03,000 --> 00:04:05,666 religious, and political center. 73 00:04:05,666 --> 00:04:08,000 The curia housed the government. 74 00:04:08,000 --> 00:04:10,733 It was built of no-nonsense brick and mortar. 75 00:04:10,733 --> 00:04:14,266 Originally faced with a veneer of gleaming marble. 76 00:04:16,833 --> 00:04:20,533 The basilica, or law court, was nearby. 77 00:04:20,533 --> 00:04:23,166 The basilica floor plan, a rectangular space 78 00:04:23,166 --> 00:04:25,633 divided into a central nave and side aisles 79 00:04:25,633 --> 00:04:29,800 by two rows of columns was ideal for a meeting hall. 80 00:04:31,433 --> 00:04:34,033 Remains of homes at Pompeii give a glimpse 81 00:04:34,033 --> 00:04:37,066 into how the wealthy lived and enjoyed their art. 82 00:04:38,200 --> 00:04:40,500 The House of Vetti, the home of a rich merchant, 83 00:04:40,500 --> 00:04:42,833 shows the typical layout of a mansion. 84 00:04:44,066 --> 00:04:46,366 Its colonnaded inner courtyard, 85 00:04:46,366 --> 00:04:49,433 a formal garden with water flowing to give freshness, 86 00:04:49,433 --> 00:04:52,466 was ringed by colorfully frescoed rooms. 87 00:04:54,533 --> 00:04:57,400 Dining rooms were often richly decorated. 88 00:04:58,766 --> 00:05:02,366 Here, little cupids go about everyday life in Pompeii. 89 00:05:02,366 --> 00:05:03,800 Harvesting crops. 90 00:05:05,633 --> 00:05:07,500 Taking your knocks on a chariot. 91 00:05:09,300 --> 00:05:11,466 And enjoying the local wine. 92 00:05:13,133 --> 00:05:16,466 Water was abundant in this well plumbed city. 93 00:05:16,466 --> 00:05:19,900 Fountains provided a social center at intersections. 94 00:05:19,900 --> 00:05:22,133 And a steady stream of water flushed 95 00:05:22,133 --> 00:05:24,233 the chariot rutted streets clean. 96 00:05:26,400 --> 00:05:28,066 So why the stones in the street here? 97 00:05:28,066 --> 00:05:30,500 - Well, there was always water flowing along the roads 98 00:05:30,500 --> 00:05:31,700 and washing into the roads. 99 00:05:31,700 --> 00:05:33,833 So that's why the sidewalk all over, 100 00:05:33,833 --> 00:05:35,566 and the stepping stones. 101 00:05:35,566 --> 00:05:38,333 - So the pedestrians walked across to not get wet. 102 00:05:38,333 --> 00:05:39,166 - Yes, it was a crossroad. 103 00:05:39,166 --> 00:05:40,533 Avoiding wet feet. 104 00:05:40,533 --> 00:05:41,600 - [Rick] Very smart. 105 00:05:43,733 --> 00:05:47,500 Pompeii's artifacts show off the ancient city's love of art 106 00:05:47,500 --> 00:05:48,900 and the good life. 107 00:05:53,366 --> 00:05:57,100 These bronze statues, like so much of the art from Pompeii 108 00:05:57,100 --> 00:05:59,966 are first century BC Roman copies 109 00:05:59,966 --> 00:06:03,100 of fourth century BC Greek originals. 110 00:06:04,233 --> 00:06:06,966 Resting Hermes with his tired little heel wings 111 00:06:06,966 --> 00:06:08,433 is taking a break. 112 00:06:08,433 --> 00:06:11,933 But it's clear, he'll be flying off again soon. 113 00:06:11,933 --> 00:06:14,633 This wine loving woodland god, or satyr, 114 00:06:14,633 --> 00:06:17,066 singing and snapping his fingers to the beat 115 00:06:17,066 --> 00:06:19,433 is clearly living for the moment. 116 00:06:19,433 --> 00:06:22,100 True to the epicurean seize the day philosophy 117 00:06:22,100 --> 00:06:25,666 many Romans embraced and celebrated. 118 00:06:25,666 --> 00:06:28,066 Pompeii's many finely crafted mosaics 119 00:06:28,066 --> 00:06:30,800 reflect the sophistication and wealth of the city 120 00:06:30,800 --> 00:06:32,033 and its people. 121 00:06:33,100 --> 00:06:35,300 Culture, including music and theater, 122 00:06:35,300 --> 00:06:36,600 thrived at Pompeii. 123 00:06:37,966 --> 00:06:41,933 This mosaic takes us backstage, just before curtain time. 124 00:06:41,933 --> 00:06:43,466 Actors get dressed. 125 00:06:43,466 --> 00:06:45,066 Instruments tuned. 126 00:06:45,066 --> 00:06:48,500 And the masks of comedy and tragedy are ready to go. 127 00:06:51,033 --> 00:06:55,100 This detailed and realistic mosaic shows street musicians 128 00:06:55,100 --> 00:06:57,833 boisterously entertaining those not quite up 129 00:06:57,833 --> 00:06:59,300 to a night at the theater. 130 00:07:01,633 --> 00:07:05,566 Venus, the goddess of love, was a Pompeii favorite. 131 00:07:05,566 --> 00:07:08,900 Statues are intimate and impressively realistic. 132 00:07:11,666 --> 00:07:15,100 The much copied Three Graces celebrated elegance, 133 00:07:15,100 --> 00:07:17,500 beauty, and a love of life. 134 00:07:17,500 --> 00:07:19,933 A reminder of how fleeting life is 135 00:07:19,933 --> 00:07:24,400 and was on the fateful day nearly 2,000 years ago 136 00:07:24,400 --> 00:07:26,233 when that volcano blew. 137 00:07:27,900 --> 00:07:30,000 The comforts of Roman life stretched 138 00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:32,366 to the far reaches of the empire. 139 00:07:32,366 --> 00:07:35,633 Even to the cold, rainy British isles. 140 00:07:35,633 --> 00:07:38,266 For example, the Roman city of Bath 141 00:07:38,266 --> 00:07:40,300 was famous as a spa town. 142 00:07:40,300 --> 00:07:43,433 Taking full advantage of its mineral hot springs, 143 00:07:43,433 --> 00:07:45,833 it was like Rome away from Rome. 144 00:07:48,533 --> 00:07:51,500 This pool is still lined with its original lead. 145 00:07:51,500 --> 00:07:52,900 Nine tons of it. 146 00:07:54,866 --> 00:07:56,766 You can almost imagine those Romans 147 00:07:56,766 --> 00:07:59,633 lounging around sipping wine, shmoozing, 148 00:07:59,633 --> 00:08:03,033 just like they did far away in the city of Rome. 149 00:08:03,033 --> 00:08:05,500 Colorful mosaics and mysterious reliefs 150 00:08:05,500 --> 00:08:08,400 are a reminder of the elegance and artfulness 151 00:08:08,400 --> 00:08:11,500 of Roman life even in distant Britannia. 152 00:08:12,900 --> 00:08:16,200 The hot thermal water still bubbles past ancient bricks. 153 00:08:18,000 --> 00:08:21,300 Enjoy some quality time looking into the eyes of Minerva, 154 00:08:21,300 --> 00:08:23,500 the goddess of the hot springs. 155 00:08:25,166 --> 00:08:27,500 Then pop upstairs to enjoy a glass 156 00:08:27,500 --> 00:08:31,233 of the same healing waters ancient Romans choked down 157 00:08:31,233 --> 00:08:32,300 so long ago. 158 00:08:35,366 --> 00:08:36,666 - What's it taste like? 159 00:08:36,666 --> 00:08:37,566 - Sulfury. 160 00:08:38,966 --> 00:08:41,800 - The emperor's agenda was to romanize his people. 161 00:08:41,800 --> 00:08:44,633 To create a populous that was thoroughly Roman. 162 00:08:44,633 --> 00:08:46,066 Wherever they lived in the empire, 163 00:08:46,066 --> 00:08:49,033 people expected and got the standard features 164 00:08:49,033 --> 00:08:50,366 of a Roman city. 165 00:08:50,366 --> 00:08:53,700 Roads, running water, arenas, and theaters. 166 00:08:53,700 --> 00:08:55,400 And this was for good reason. 167 00:08:55,400 --> 00:08:56,800 It was a bribe. 168 00:08:56,800 --> 00:08:58,933 Conquered people would accept Roman rule 169 00:08:58,933 --> 00:09:02,233 in exchange for the infrastructure of good living. 170 00:09:03,400 --> 00:09:05,700 Rome's legacy shines to this day 171 00:09:05,700 --> 00:09:09,933 in huge construction projects across its vast empire. 172 00:09:09,933 --> 00:09:12,166 Wherever they conquered, they built. 173 00:09:12,166 --> 00:09:15,233 And that included walls to protect it all. 174 00:09:15,233 --> 00:09:18,266 This once mighty wall, built by Emperor Hadrian, 175 00:09:18,266 --> 00:09:21,066 stretch 70 miles across northern England 176 00:09:21,066 --> 00:09:23,033 close to today's border with Scotland, 177 00:09:23,033 --> 00:09:25,000 to protect Britannia and mark 178 00:09:25,000 --> 00:09:27,466 the northern most reach of the empire. 179 00:09:31,666 --> 00:09:35,000 Water infrastructure was a Roman engineering forte 180 00:09:35,000 --> 00:09:37,133 and vital for the empire. 181 00:09:37,133 --> 00:09:39,400 The Pont du Gard in southern France 182 00:09:39,400 --> 00:09:41,666 is just one of many ancient aqueducts 183 00:09:41,666 --> 00:09:43,933 surviving across Europe. 184 00:09:43,933 --> 00:09:46,133 They heralded the greatness of Rome, 185 00:09:46,133 --> 00:09:48,433 reminding the far flung empire's subjects 186 00:09:48,433 --> 00:09:52,133 how fortunate they were to be on the winning team. 187 00:09:52,133 --> 00:09:54,333 This perfectly preserved Roman bridge 188 00:09:54,333 --> 00:09:57,666 supported a canal, or aqueduct, on the very top. 189 00:09:57,666 --> 00:09:59,833 The Pont du Gard was a critical link, 190 00:09:59,833 --> 00:10:02,933 helping keep a steady river of water flowing cross country 191 00:10:02,933 --> 00:10:04,733 and across this river. 192 00:10:04,733 --> 00:10:07,366 Remarkably, it was engineered so that the water 193 00:10:07,366 --> 00:10:12,133 dropped only one inch for every 300 feet, for 30 miles. 194 00:10:12,133 --> 00:10:16,033 Harnessing gravity to flow all the way to the city of Nimes. 195 00:10:16,033 --> 00:10:18,533 The Pont du Gard's main arch is the largest 196 00:10:18,533 --> 00:10:20,366 the Romans ever built. 197 00:10:20,366 --> 00:10:22,433 The bridge itself has no mortar, 198 00:10:22,433 --> 00:10:25,233 just ingeniously stacked stones. 199 00:10:25,233 --> 00:10:27,933 Taking full advantage of that Roman specialty, 200 00:10:27,933 --> 00:10:29,233 the round arch. 201 00:10:29,233 --> 00:10:31,800 The structure is held in place by gravity. 202 00:10:32,733 --> 00:10:34,466 Simple as it may seem, 203 00:10:34,466 --> 00:10:39,033 the round arch was key to Roman architectural greatness. 204 00:10:39,033 --> 00:10:42,300 Previous structures were limited by two vertical posts 205 00:10:42,300 --> 00:10:45,633 spanned by a lintel, which was structurally weak. 206 00:10:48,100 --> 00:10:51,266 A round arch could span a much wider gap 207 00:10:51,266 --> 00:10:53,500 and once the central keystone is placed, 208 00:10:53,500 --> 00:10:56,200 the arch can support just about whatever 209 00:10:56,200 --> 00:10:58,100 you want to build on top of it. 210 00:10:58,100 --> 00:11:01,766 Without the round arch, none of Rome's greatest structures 211 00:11:01,766 --> 00:11:03,100 would have been possible. 212 00:11:04,200 --> 00:11:06,400 Arenas like this one in southern France 213 00:11:06,400 --> 00:11:09,200 are another fine example of Roman engineering 214 00:11:09,200 --> 00:11:11,633 and Roman propaganda. 215 00:11:11,633 --> 00:11:14,700 In the spirit of give the masses bread and circuses, 216 00:11:14,700 --> 00:11:17,500 admission to arenas and theaters was free. 217 00:11:17,500 --> 00:11:20,666 Another perk for subjects of team Rome. 218 00:11:24,966 --> 00:11:27,200 The ancient city of Ephesus, 219 00:11:27,200 --> 00:11:29,066 on the west coast of today's Turkey, 220 00:11:29,066 --> 00:11:31,366 was Greek before it became Roman. 221 00:11:31,366 --> 00:11:34,700 A good example of cultural Romanization. 222 00:11:34,700 --> 00:11:37,533 Its main street, once lined with fine buildings, 223 00:11:37,533 --> 00:11:39,966 leads past a striking temple dedicated 224 00:11:39,966 --> 00:11:42,700 to the Greek loving Roman Emperor Hadrian. 225 00:11:43,933 --> 00:11:45,933 And the city's library filled with books 226 00:11:45,933 --> 00:11:48,333 in both Latin and Greek showed off 227 00:11:48,333 --> 00:11:50,566 the Romans cosmopolitan flare. 228 00:11:53,000 --> 00:11:55,833 This striking facade featuring statues of women 229 00:11:55,833 --> 00:11:59,000 who symbolize the virtues of learning and wisdom 230 00:11:59,000 --> 00:12:01,000 inspired the citizenry. 231 00:12:04,300 --> 00:12:08,433 Like any great Roman city, Ephesus had a fine theater 232 00:12:08,433 --> 00:12:11,633 with good acoustics designed into the semi-circular seating 233 00:12:11,633 --> 00:12:13,633 and the sound wall behind the stage. 234 00:12:13,633 --> 00:12:16,766 Huge gatherings could enjoy plays and events here 235 00:12:16,766 --> 00:12:19,466 with un-amplified voices. 236 00:12:19,466 --> 00:12:22,033 Its acoustics, remarkable back then, 237 00:12:22,033 --> 00:12:23,766 remain so to this day. 238 00:12:24,600 --> 00:12:28,433 (singing in foreign language) 239 00:12:46,600 --> 00:12:49,300 (audience applauding) 240 00:12:49,300 --> 00:12:51,700 - [Rick] To estimate an ancient city's population, 241 00:12:51,700 --> 00:12:55,700 archeologists consider the capacity of its theater. 242 00:12:55,700 --> 00:12:57,333 Ephesus was big. 243 00:12:57,333 --> 00:13:00,566 It needed a theater that could seat 25,000. 244 00:13:00,566 --> 00:13:03,400 And imagine, it was just one city 245 00:13:03,400 --> 00:13:05,466 in the vast Roman Empire. 246 00:13:08,466 --> 00:13:11,133 From Egypt and Greece to Spain and Britain, 247 00:13:11,133 --> 00:13:13,200 the Roman world seemed united 248 00:13:13,200 --> 00:13:16,833 and it seemed the Roman Empire would last forever. 249 00:13:16,833 --> 00:13:19,833 But there was just one small flaw in the plan. 250 00:13:19,833 --> 00:13:20,733 People. 251 00:13:22,133 --> 00:13:25,700 After centuries of relative stability, Rome began its fall. 252 00:13:25,700 --> 00:13:28,300 Partly because of some bad emperors. 253 00:13:30,466 --> 00:13:33,533 Sure, some were good and some were mediocre. 254 00:13:33,533 --> 00:13:36,000 But many were down right evil. 255 00:13:37,400 --> 00:13:40,766 As they were invested with immense, almost god-like power 256 00:13:40,766 --> 00:13:43,966 with egos as supersized as their empire, 257 00:13:43,966 --> 00:13:46,733 they left plenty of portrait busts. 258 00:13:48,700 --> 00:13:51,300 There were empire builders like Augustus. 259 00:13:52,133 --> 00:13:53,933 Wise leaders like Hadrian. 260 00:13:54,866 --> 00:13:58,533 And crazy rulers like Caligula. 261 00:13:58,533 --> 00:14:02,266 The last great emperor of the Pax Romana, Marcus Aurelius, 262 00:14:02,266 --> 00:14:05,466 sits on his horse atop Capitoline Hill in Rome. 263 00:14:06,833 --> 00:14:10,033 The original housed nearby out of the acidic modern air 264 00:14:10,033 --> 00:14:13,933 is a rare surviving equestrian statue from antiquity. 265 00:14:13,933 --> 00:14:17,033 And a great symbol of Rome at its peak. 266 00:14:22,433 --> 00:14:24,900 But after Marcus Aurelius, Rome was ruled 267 00:14:24,900 --> 00:14:28,833 by an unfortunate string of ineffective, incompetent, 268 00:14:28,833 --> 00:14:31,333 and now mostly forgotten emperors. 269 00:14:32,600 --> 00:14:35,766 The son of Marcus, Commodus, was a cruel tyrant. 270 00:14:37,100 --> 00:14:39,966 He declared himself a god, dressed up like Hercules, 271 00:14:39,966 --> 00:14:42,700 and clubbed innocent subjects to death. 272 00:14:42,700 --> 00:14:45,733 By this time, the fall of Rome was inevitable. 273 00:14:48,566 --> 00:14:50,600 But its decline was gradual. 274 00:14:50,600 --> 00:14:54,366 Stretching across two centuries and even during its fall, 275 00:14:54,366 --> 00:14:57,133 Rome produced some wonderful art. 276 00:15:00,366 --> 00:15:02,600 With its imperial might and all the stories 277 00:15:02,600 --> 00:15:05,666 of persecutions and hungry lions in the Colosseum, 278 00:15:05,666 --> 00:15:08,266 it's easy to forget that in Rome's later years 279 00:15:08,266 --> 00:15:11,333 it was both threatened by and then energized by 280 00:15:11,333 --> 00:15:14,566 an obscure new religion creeping in from the east. 281 00:15:14,566 --> 00:15:15,600 Christianity. 282 00:15:16,833 --> 00:15:19,866 At first, pagan Rome persecuted the Christians. 283 00:15:19,866 --> 00:15:22,500 They worshiped secretly and buried their dead 284 00:15:22,500 --> 00:15:24,433 in underground catacombs 285 00:15:24,433 --> 00:15:27,100 scattered outside the walls of the city. 286 00:15:27,100 --> 00:15:29,766 The tomb lined tunnels stretched for miles 287 00:15:29,766 --> 00:15:32,033 and are many layers deep. 288 00:15:32,033 --> 00:15:33,900 Some of the early Christians buried here 289 00:15:33,900 --> 00:15:35,700 had been killed for their faith. 290 00:15:36,833 --> 00:15:39,966 And later Christians carved out niches nearby 291 00:15:39,966 --> 00:15:43,600 to be buried close to these early saints and martyrs. 292 00:15:44,800 --> 00:15:47,000 Even before Christians could worship openly, 293 00:15:47,000 --> 00:15:49,866 they communicated through art and much of that 294 00:15:49,866 --> 00:15:53,033 was funerary art, as seen on these sarcophagi. 295 00:15:54,933 --> 00:15:57,133 The anchor was the symbol of salvation 296 00:15:57,133 --> 00:15:59,366 before the cross was used. 297 00:15:59,366 --> 00:16:03,966 In ancient times, Jesus was portrayed as a good shepherd. 298 00:16:03,966 --> 00:16:07,566 And people prayed or praised god with hands raised. 299 00:16:13,300 --> 00:16:16,366 Christianity became increasingly popular. 300 00:16:16,366 --> 00:16:19,133 Finally, Emperor Constantine made a bold 301 00:16:19,133 --> 00:16:21,233 and perhaps pragmatic move. 302 00:16:21,233 --> 00:16:23,533 Following a vision that he would triumph in battle 303 00:16:23,533 --> 00:16:25,100 under the sign of the cross, 304 00:16:25,100 --> 00:16:28,033 Constantine legalized the upstart religion 305 00:16:28,033 --> 00:16:30,000 in the year 312. 306 00:16:30,000 --> 00:16:34,066 Once legalized, Christianity spread all across the empire. 307 00:16:34,066 --> 00:16:37,366 Pagan Europe soon morphed into Christian Europe. 308 00:16:38,633 --> 00:16:40,733 The emperor converted, and before long 309 00:16:40,733 --> 00:16:44,333 the once obscure Jewish sect became the state religion 310 00:16:44,333 --> 00:16:46,733 of the entire Roman Empire. 311 00:16:51,100 --> 00:16:53,866 In the year 300, you could be killed for being a Christian. 312 00:16:53,866 --> 00:16:55,500 In the year 400, you could be killed 313 00:16:55,500 --> 00:16:57,100 for not being a Christian. 314 00:16:57,100 --> 00:17:00,066 Church attendance boomed and Emperor Constantine 315 00:17:00,066 --> 00:17:02,633 built the first great Christian church right here. 316 00:17:02,633 --> 00:17:04,766 San Giovanni in Laterano. 317 00:17:04,766 --> 00:17:05,866 St. John's. 318 00:17:06,933 --> 00:17:09,366 Grand churches sprang up everywhere. 319 00:17:09,366 --> 00:17:12,666 San Giovanni in Laterano became the first Vatican. 320 00:17:12,666 --> 00:17:16,733 The original home of the Bishop of Rome, or Pope. 321 00:17:16,733 --> 00:17:19,033 Today's 17th century baroque church, 322 00:17:19,033 --> 00:17:21,433 which sits upon its ancient foundations, 323 00:17:21,433 --> 00:17:24,966 is filled with symbols of Christianity's triumph. 324 00:17:24,966 --> 00:17:28,566 The gilded bronze columns that once adorned a pagan temple. 325 00:17:29,866 --> 00:17:32,933 The original doors from Rome's senate house. 326 00:17:34,166 --> 00:17:36,233 And in a box above the altar, 327 00:17:36,233 --> 00:17:38,933 the supposed skulls of those early Christian 328 00:17:38,933 --> 00:17:41,766 pioneers and martyrs, Peter and Paul. 329 00:17:42,933 --> 00:17:45,100 With the acceptance and growth of the church, 330 00:17:45,100 --> 00:17:48,266 Christian art and architecture could now blossom. 331 00:17:49,233 --> 00:17:51,300 As Rome was the empire's capital, 332 00:17:51,300 --> 00:17:54,233 it now became the capital of Christianity. 333 00:17:54,233 --> 00:17:56,533 It was a magnet for pilgrims. 334 00:17:56,533 --> 00:17:59,333 The Holy Stairs were major stop. 335 00:17:59,333 --> 00:18:02,800 They're supposedly from the palace of Pontius Pilate. 336 00:18:02,800 --> 00:18:06,266 Brought to Rome by Emperor Constantine's mother. 337 00:18:06,266 --> 00:18:09,533 Pilgrims, believing Jesus climbed these very stairs, 338 00:18:09,533 --> 00:18:11,833 hoped, as pilgrims still do, 339 00:18:11,833 --> 00:18:15,100 to be blessed if they scaled them on their knees. 340 00:18:15,100 --> 00:18:19,500 And the great art all around them inspires to this day. 341 00:18:21,766 --> 00:18:24,533 The Roman Empire that had united Europe for centuries 342 00:18:24,533 --> 00:18:25,600 was crumbling. 343 00:18:25,600 --> 00:18:27,100 Government was collapsing. 344 00:18:27,100 --> 00:18:29,633 The city of Rome had been sacked and marauding tribes 345 00:18:29,633 --> 00:18:31,200 ravaged the landscape. 346 00:18:31,200 --> 00:18:33,933 But in all that turmoil, one last institution 347 00:18:33,933 --> 00:18:36,466 was standing strong against the chaos. 348 00:18:36,466 --> 00:18:37,866 The Roman church. 349 00:18:39,233 --> 00:18:42,566 Christianity transformed the ancient city of Rome. 350 00:18:42,566 --> 00:18:45,433 The pagan pantheon temple was rebranded 351 00:18:45,433 --> 00:18:47,000 as a Christian church. 352 00:18:48,266 --> 00:18:51,766 Statues of senators were rechristened as saints. 353 00:18:51,766 --> 00:18:54,766 An emperor's tomb became the Pope's fortress. 354 00:18:56,400 --> 00:18:59,833 Trajan's column would be topped with a saint. 355 00:18:59,833 --> 00:19:02,366 And the spot where Peter had been executed and buried 356 00:19:02,366 --> 00:19:03,900 would eventually be crowned 357 00:19:03,900 --> 00:19:07,700 by the grandest building in the city, St. Peter's Basilica. 358 00:19:08,666 --> 00:19:11,233 (light music) 359 00:19:16,433 --> 00:19:19,300 By the way, many churches are called basilicas. 360 00:19:19,300 --> 00:19:22,066 Even though that term predates Christianity. 361 00:19:22,066 --> 00:19:23,866 When their religion became legal, 362 00:19:23,866 --> 00:19:26,266 suddenly Christians needed a large public space 363 00:19:26,266 --> 00:19:27,833 in which to worship. 364 00:19:27,833 --> 00:19:29,466 Rather than invent something new, 365 00:19:29,466 --> 00:19:32,566 they adopted the long established basilica floor plan 366 00:19:32,566 --> 00:19:35,333 which ancient Romans used for meeting halls. 367 00:19:36,466 --> 00:19:38,600 This gave churches their standard layout. 368 00:19:38,600 --> 00:19:41,600 A nave lined by columns leading up to the altar 369 00:19:41,600 --> 00:19:43,900 with aisles on either side. 370 00:19:45,166 --> 00:19:47,966 And they were decorated with the signature artwork 371 00:19:47,966 --> 00:19:51,433 of the Roman Empire, stunning mosaics. 372 00:19:51,433 --> 00:19:54,300 Rome's decline was gradual and fitful, 373 00:19:54,300 --> 00:19:56,766 but rulers still commissioned great art. 374 00:19:57,900 --> 00:20:00,433 In Ravenna, this fifth century mausoleum 375 00:20:00,433 --> 00:20:04,000 was intended for the sister of one of Rome's last emperors. 376 00:20:06,466 --> 00:20:09,766 Its precious mosaics, while dating from the fall of Rome, 377 00:20:09,766 --> 00:20:12,900 are considered the finest from ancient times. 378 00:20:14,300 --> 00:20:16,933 The light that sneaks through the thin, alabaster panels 379 00:20:16,933 --> 00:20:18,833 brings a glow and a twinkle 380 00:20:18,833 --> 00:20:20,800 to the early Christian symbolism. 381 00:20:22,000 --> 00:20:24,333 The dome is filled with stars. 382 00:20:26,533 --> 00:20:29,700 Doves drink from fountains, symbolic of souls 383 00:20:29,700 --> 00:20:32,133 finding nourishment in the word of god. 384 00:20:35,966 --> 00:20:38,333 This fifth century work shows the standard 385 00:20:38,333 --> 00:20:40,233 ancient Roman portrayal of Christ 386 00:20:40,233 --> 00:20:41,666 as the good shepherd. 387 00:20:43,133 --> 00:20:45,700 Jesus dressed in gold and purple like a Roman emperor 388 00:20:45,700 --> 00:20:47,400 is the king of paradise. 389 00:20:47,400 --> 00:20:51,066 Welcoming the faithful who are represented by lambs. 390 00:20:51,066 --> 00:20:53,666 And surrounded by this timeless beauty. 391 00:21:04,433 --> 00:21:08,133 This church captures the last chapter of Roman glory. 392 00:21:09,233 --> 00:21:11,633 Its sanctuary, an oasis of order, 393 00:21:11,633 --> 00:21:13,900 was meant to assure everyone that, 394 00:21:13,900 --> 00:21:15,933 despite the chaos around them, 395 00:21:15,933 --> 00:21:17,866 all was right with the world. 396 00:21:18,633 --> 00:21:20,633 Its familiar Roman mosaics 397 00:21:20,633 --> 00:21:22,666 and countless vibrantly colored cubes 398 00:21:22,666 --> 00:21:24,300 the size of your fingernail 399 00:21:24,300 --> 00:21:26,733 give the church an ethereal glow. 400 00:21:30,733 --> 00:21:32,833 Christ is calmly in charge, 401 00:21:32,833 --> 00:21:35,166 overseeing the peaceful world below. 402 00:21:36,300 --> 00:21:38,600 And running things here on earth is his partner, 403 00:21:38,600 --> 00:21:43,066 the last emperor to rule a united Rome, Justinian. 404 00:21:43,066 --> 00:21:45,466 Sporting both a halo and a crown, 405 00:21:45,466 --> 00:21:47,833 he unites both church and state. 406 00:21:47,833 --> 00:21:50,733 Supported by bishops and generals. 407 00:21:50,733 --> 00:21:55,600 Who, with steady gazes, radiate a sense of stability. 408 00:21:55,600 --> 00:21:58,900 Facing the emperor is his powerful wife Theodora 409 00:21:58,900 --> 00:22:01,400 and her elegant entourage. 410 00:22:01,400 --> 00:22:03,833 The former dancer who became his mistress, 411 00:22:03,833 --> 00:22:07,433 then empress, is decked out in rich jewels and pearls 412 00:22:07,433 --> 00:22:11,033 and carries a chalice to consecrate the new church. 413 00:22:11,033 --> 00:22:13,200 The art here is propaganda. 414 00:22:13,200 --> 00:22:15,433 A celebration of the Roman world. 415 00:22:15,433 --> 00:22:18,233 Everything is in good order. 416 00:22:18,233 --> 00:22:21,600 The ancient portrayal of Christ symbolizes perfection. 417 00:22:22,533 --> 00:22:24,333 The stylized cross is flanked 418 00:22:24,333 --> 00:22:27,233 by two angels declaring victory. 419 00:22:27,233 --> 00:22:30,200 The ceiling is a festival of God's creation 420 00:22:30,200 --> 00:22:32,633 with nearly 100 different birds. 421 00:22:32,633 --> 00:22:35,800 Most still flying around this part of Italy. 422 00:22:38,033 --> 00:22:41,533 And everything swirls around a sacrificial lamb, 423 00:22:41,533 --> 00:22:45,266 which symbolizes Christ supported by four angels. 424 00:22:46,533 --> 00:22:48,766 Notice how this Christ is beardless, 425 00:22:48,766 --> 00:22:50,866 the style of the ancient Romans. 426 00:22:50,866 --> 00:22:54,266 While just steps away, this bearded Christ 427 00:22:54,266 --> 00:22:57,800 is the standard medieval portrayal of Jesus. 428 00:22:57,800 --> 00:23:01,033 These are some of the last artworks of ancient Rome. 429 00:23:01,033 --> 00:23:04,133 And the first of medieval works to come. 430 00:23:04,133 --> 00:23:07,333 Bridging the ancient and medieval worlds. 431 00:23:08,966 --> 00:23:10,900 With its harmonious atmosphere, 432 00:23:10,900 --> 00:23:13,633 it's a poignant reminder of the peace 433 00:23:13,633 --> 00:23:16,133 and stability of a Roman order 434 00:23:16,133 --> 00:23:17,833 that was coming to an end. 435 00:23:25,133 --> 00:23:27,800 Despite the stabilizing influence of Christianity, 436 00:23:27,800 --> 00:23:30,000 Rome's decline was inevitable. 437 00:23:31,233 --> 00:23:34,133 The once great capital city of a million people 438 00:23:34,133 --> 00:23:37,400 repeatedly ravaged by barbarians and plagues 439 00:23:37,400 --> 00:23:41,900 eventually lost over 95% of its population. 440 00:23:41,900 --> 00:23:45,366 The place where Rome began, the forum, was abandoned. 441 00:23:45,366 --> 00:23:48,066 Later nicknamed the cow field. 442 00:23:48,066 --> 00:23:51,133 Rome's grand structures crumbled, were built over, 443 00:23:51,133 --> 00:23:54,233 and eventually got buried under centuries of rubble, 444 00:23:54,233 --> 00:23:57,666 silt, and today's modern city. 445 00:23:57,666 --> 00:24:01,266 Yes, Rome fell, but its spirit lived on. 446 00:24:01,266 --> 00:24:02,800 In the Latin language. 447 00:24:03,800 --> 00:24:05,866 In laws and literature. 448 00:24:05,866 --> 00:24:08,033 In the Roman Catholic church. 449 00:24:08,033 --> 00:24:11,333 And in its monumental art and architecture. 450 00:24:11,333 --> 00:24:15,466 Grandeur that would inspire Europe for centuries to come. 451 00:24:16,633 --> 00:24:19,500 Europe offers a lifetime of artistic treasures. 452 00:24:19,500 --> 00:24:21,000 And the more you understand its art, 453 00:24:21,000 --> 00:24:24,100 the more you'll appreciate the society that created it. 454 00:24:24,100 --> 00:24:26,333 I hope you've enjoyed our sweep through the highlights 455 00:24:26,333 --> 00:24:28,933 of the Roman Empire, its dramatic rise 456 00:24:28,933 --> 00:24:31,200 and a tumultuous fall that left Europe 457 00:24:31,200 --> 00:24:34,733 with a political vacuum that lasted for centuries. 458 00:24:34,733 --> 00:24:37,800 I'm Rick Steves, until next time, keep on traveling. 459 00:24:40,766 --> 00:24:42,233 Hey, I'm Rick Steves. 460 00:24:42,233 --> 00:24:44,666 Reflecting on the program you've just seen, 461 00:24:44,666 --> 00:24:47,400 think of the educational value of 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