Both the Legion of Honor and de Young are open to the public. Please read our safety guidelines.
The first program of urban renewal at Rome carried out by Caesar Augustus and his followers began in 33 BC, when Caesar was consul for the second time and M. Agrippa was aedile. Agrippa dramatically expanded Rome’s water supply, also draining parts of the Campus Martius, and planting of a huge number of trees: in porticoes, in sanctuaries, beside temples, and laid out in large groves and wooded walks around Augustus’ gigantic Mausoleum (completed ca. 28 BC). This 'greening' of Rome in the late 30s and 20s BC was an important part of Augustus’ revival of Archaic Roman religion, prompted by the writings of the antiquarians of the previous generation. Our best evidence for this comes from the poetry of Vergil, and from the genre of 'sacro-idyllic' painting—invented at Rome in these very years.
About Programs at the Ancient Art Council
Programs are varied and include such activities as lectures by noted archaeologists, museum curators, and ancient art historians; exclusive tours of the Museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions; fund-raising events; and travel programs to ancient sites and other museums. Members also receive invitations from related organizations to attend lectures ad exhibition openings. Your annual membership dues and contributions will assist in furthering the Ancient Art collection at the Fine Arts Museums.
PROGRAM
February 12, 2022 at 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (PST)
The Wood Comes to the City: Ancient Trees, Sacred Groves, and the "Greening" of Early Augustan Rome
This program will be live streamed on Zoom. An e-confirmation will be sent to registered participants.
Presented by Professor Christopher Hallett History of Art and Ancient Greek & Roman Studies, University of California, Berkeley
Admission:
Free and open to the public. Registration is required. Donations are welcome.
