During his reign from 193-211, Septimius Severus was responsible for a
significant building programme in the city of Rome. This involved both new buildings
and the restoration of existing structures. Previous scholarship, however, has tended to
consider specific buildings of the period in isolation instead of analysing Severus'
building programme as a whole. The purpose of the present study is to redress this by
examining the overall programme in the historical context of Severus' reign through
archaeological investigations, studies of art and architectural history, epigraphy,
numismatics, and the literary record.
A framework for the motivation behind Severus' building programme may be
established by relating the types of buildings constructed anew or restored to what is
known of his reign through other sources. Severus wished to portray himself as the
rightful heir of the Antonines who had been chosen by divine providence to establish a
renewed period of peace and prosperity. Through his building activity he exploited
important institutions to underline this position and to legitimize his rule. By his concern
for the physical fabric of the capital he at the same time reinforced the message that he
had restored the prestige of the Empire. The importance attached to this restoration is
attested by the numerous inscriptions placed throughout the city on the restored buildings
and other structures proudly announcing the attentions of the new emperor.
Much of the Severan enhancement and restoration seems to have been geared
toward the celebration of the Secular Games in the capital, an event that heralded a new
age of renewal and restoration. Severus' intention of establishing a new dynasty was also
implicit in the creation of an architectural presence within the heritage of the imperial
city.
The use of a building programme within the capital to reinforce the policies of the
emperor originated with the first emperor, Augustus. While not on the same scale as the
Augustan redevelopment of the city, Severus' building activity followed this imperial
tradition with a deliberate and concerted building programme that reflected his
propagandistic aims.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:BVAU.2429/6612 |
| Date | 05 1900 |
| Creators | Gorrie, Charmaine Lynn |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Relation | UBC Retrospective Theses Digitization Project [http://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/retro_theses/] |
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