Introduction According to an ancient legend Rome was founded by the twin brothers Romulus and Remus who abandoned at birth were saved from death and raised by a she-wolf Whether or not the legend is true archaeologists believe Rome began as a small village sometime around 753 b.c. Over the next few centuries it gradually gained power over its neighbors By the time of Julius Caesar’s dictatorship in 49 b.c. Rome had become the greatest power the ancient world had ever seen During the next few hundred years Rome became even greater Wherever its victorious armies went new towns sprang up Roman engineers built temples public buildings aqueducts and roads In the conquered lands All roads lead to Rome became a popular as well as a true saying Travel and trade became faster and safer than ever before In Latin the Roman language this period from 27 b.c. to a.d. 180 was called the Pax Romana the Roman Peace Listen to the sound of hobnailed sandals as a Roman legion marches out to its tour of duty See the bright flashes of sunlight reflected on the wings of the golden eagles held high by the legion’s standard bearers Now draw the proud legionary as he prepares to defend the empire
Getting Started This book is a guide to the history and art of ancient Rome The drawings and paintings are based on Roman architecture and sculpture and the wall paintings and mosaics of ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum Roman cities Roman roads and buildings are so well built that some are still used today Much of the art of Pompeii and Herculaneum was preserved because it was buried for almost two thousand years by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in a.d. 79 Many of the colors in our illustrations are the colors that the Romans used especially the bright red which was a favorite of the Pompeiians The first drawing lesson is of a Roman legionary the Roman foot soldier He had to be in good condition to march and fight in full body armor In addition he carried a sword dagger shield and one or two spears If you want to know more about Roman arms and other details of Roman life there
are many beautiful and interesting books on ancient Rome Also museums have many fine examples of Roman art for us to enjoy
