Walks in Rome Informative Summary

Overview:

“Walks in Rome” by Augustus J. C. Hare is a comprehensive guide to the historical and artistic treasures of the Eternal City, offering a detailed itinerary for exploring its iconic landmarks. The book weaves together historical accounts with personal observations and insightful anecdotes, bringing to life the vibrant tapestry of Rome’s past and present. From the bustling Corso, a central thoroughfare lined with palaces and shops, to the awe-inspiring ruins of the Roman Forum and the imposing Coliseum, Hare’s work provides a rich and engaging narrative.

The author’s intimate knowledge of Rome is evident in his meticulous descriptions of each landmark, its historical significance, and its architectural marvels. He highlights the artistic treasures within churches and palaces, like the Borghese Gallery’s “Sacred and Profane Love” by Titian, and the captivating frescoes in the Ara-Cœli church by Pinturicchio. Hare’s writing transcends mere travelogue, offering a deep dive into Roman history, revealing fascinating stories about emperors, emperors, saints, and artists, who shaped the city’s destiny. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of Rome, urging readers to delve beyond the visual splendor and grasp the nuances of its rich past.

Key Findings:

Rome’s history is deeply entwined with its architecture, each building telling a story of power, faith, and cultural evolution.
The Eternal City is a treasure trove of art, from ancient sculptures in the Capitoline Museum to Renaissance masterpieces in private collections like the Borghese Gallery.
Rome’s churches are not only places of worship but also repositories of art and history, offering a glimpse into the city’s religious evolution.
The Roman Forum, despite its fragmented state, provides a tangible connection to the heart of ancient Rome, its buildings and spaces offering a glimpse into the grandeur and dynamism of a lost civilization.

Learning:

The History of Rome: The book provides a comprehensive overview of Rome’s history, from its foundation by Romulus to the time of Augustus, tracing the city’s rise to power, its cultural achievements, and its eventual decline. Readers gain insight into the major events, emperors, and significant figures that shaped Rome’s destiny, allowing them to understand the city’s complex narrative.
The Art of Rome: “Walks in Rome” introduces readers to the diverse artistic landscape of the city, encompassing ancient sculpture, Renaissance painting, and Baroque architecture. By exploring the various churches and palaces, readers learn about the stylistic evolution of art in Rome and gain a deeper appreciation for the works of renowned artists like Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian, and Bernini.
The Religious Significance of Rome: The book delves into the religious history of Rome, exploring the transition from pagan worship to Christianity, and the rise of the papacy. Readers gain insight into the significance of the major churches, their historical and symbolic value, and the influence of the Catholic Church on the city’s development.
The Topography of Rome: By providing detailed accounts of specific locations and their historical significance, Hare’s work serves as a guide to the city’s topography. Readers develop a spatial understanding of the city’s layout, allowing them to mentally trace the paths of ancient Romans and understand the historical context of the locations they visit.

Historical Context:

“Walks in Rome” was written in 1875, a time of significant political and social change in Italy. The Papal States had been annexed by the Kingdom of Italy just a few years earlier, marking a shift in power dynamics and the decline of the papacy’s temporal power. The book reflects this historical context by highlighting the impact of the papacy on the city’s development and the ongoing tension between the Church and the Italian state.

Facts:

The Obelisk of the Piazza del Popolo was originally brought to Rome by Augustus. It was originally erected in honor of Apollo, a symbol of the sun.
The Church of Sta. Maria del Popolo occupies the site of Nero’s tomb. Legend has it that a giant walnut tree grew on the site, infested by crows, which Pope Paschal II. believed to be demons.
The Pincio Garden was once the site of Lucullus’s lavish villa. This villa was renowned for its magnificent gardens and hosted extravagant feasts for Roman dignitaries.
The Pincio Garden’s Obelisk was erected in honor of Antinous. Antinous was Hadrian’s beloved, who drowned in the Nile.
The Church of Trinità de’ Monti was built by Charles VIII of France. He built the church at the request of Saint Francis of Paola.
The Via Margutta is primarily inhabited by artists and sculptors. This street remains a haven for artistic creativity in Rome.
The Barcaccia fountain in Piazza di Spagna commemorates Domitian’s naumachia. Naumachia were naval battles held in artificial lakes for entertainment.
The Palazzo Borghese houses the best private picture collection in Rome. It is filled with masterpieces by Renaissance and Baroque masters.
The Palazzo Borghese was built by Paul V. This Pope was known for his lavish spending and the wealth he bestowed upon his family, the Borgheses.
Raphael designed and partly executed the Chigi Chapel in Sta. Maria del Popolo. This chapel showcases Raphael’s versatility as an artist, architect, and sculptor.
The Column of Marcus Aurelius in Piazza Colonna commemorates the emperor’s victory over the Marcomanni. It was originally adorned with bas-reliefs depicting the conquest.
The Obelisk in Piazza Monte-Citorio was originally erected in honor of Psammeticus I. It was brought to Rome from Heliopolis by Augustus and used as a sundial.
The Temple of Neptune, partially visible in Piazza di Pietra, was incorporated into the walls of the Custom House. It stands as a testament to the layers of history present in Rome.
The Fountain of Trevi was built by Nicola Salvi for Clement XII. The statue of Neptune is by Pietro Bracci.
Sta. Maria in Trivia, formerly Sta. Maria in Fornica, was built by Cardinal Mazarin. This church stands on the site of an older church built by Belisarius.
The Palazzo Poli is the residence of the English Consulate. It stands at the end of the Piazza di Trevi.
The Palazzo Sciarra contains a gallery of paintings, including masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. It provides a window into the history of Renaissance and Baroque art.
The Church of the Caravita is known for its Jesuit “flagellation” services. This unique and intense religious practice is one of the more striking aspects of Catholic Rome.
The Church of S. Ignazio was built by Cardinal Ludovisi. It is known for its magnificent frescoed ceiling by Padre Pozzi.
The Church of S. Marcello contains the masterpieces of Pierino del Vaga. This artist was renowned for his beautiful frescoes.

Statistics:

Cardinal Scipione Borghese’s income from church benefices was 150,000 scudi in 1612. This highlights the incredible wealth amassed by the Borghese family through papal patronage.
Paul V distributed 1 million scudi to poor pilgrims and 1.5 million to other needy individuals each year. His generosity was a testament to his commitment to the welfare of the poor.
The Mausoleum of Augustus was designed to hold the remains of the imperial family and thousands of their slaves. Its immense size reflected the emperor’s power and the reverence surrounding the imperial dynasty.
The surgical hospital of S. Giacomo degli Incurabili can accommodate 350 patients. This hospital provided medical care to the sick and needy in Rome.
The Costume Academy in Via Margutta offers classes for just 2½d. an evening. This affordability made artistic training accessible to a wider range of individuals.
The Collegio Romano, a Jesuit institution, has produced eight Popes. This demonstrates the Jesuit’s influence on the papacy and their significant contribution to Roman society.
The Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus was nearly square, measuring 200 Roman feet in length and 185 feet in width. Its size and grandeur reflected the importance of Jupiter in Roman religion.
The Tabularium, the Roman Record Office, was built by Q. Lutatius Catulus in B.C. 79. This ancient building stands as a testament to the Roman government’s meticulous record-keeping.
The Mamertine Prisons were capable of holding all the criminals in Rome in ancient times. Their size reflects the city’s population and the severity of Roman law.
The Basilica of Constantine was 320 feet in length and 235 feet in width. Its immense scale demonstrated the power and influence of the first Christian emperor.
The Temple of Peace contained treasures brought from Jerusalem after the destruction of the city by Titus. It served as a museum and repository of spoils from Roman conquests.
The Forum Romanum was a bustling center of commerce, politics, and social life, where the destinies of the world were discussed. Its historical significance cannot be overstated.
The Curia, the meeting place of the Roman Senate, could accommodate 600 senators. Its size reflects the vast number of senators involved in the decision-making processes of the Roman Republic.
The Arch of Septimius Severus was erected in A.D. 205 in honor of the emperor and his sons. The inscription on the arch reflects the political upheaval that followed Severus’s death, with the name of his son Geta erased by his brother, Caracalla.
The Temple of Castor and Pollux was dedicated by Postumius in B.C. 484. Its prominent location and the rituals performed there reflected the importance of the Dioscuri in Roman mythology.
The Column of Phocas was erected in 608. This monument marked a low point in Roman history, with a decadent ruler being celebrated with stolen architectural elements.
The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina was erected in honor of the Empress Faustina. The temple stands as a reminder of the power of imperial propaganda and the use of architecture to glorify rulers.
The Basilica Julia was begun by Julius Caesar and finished by Augustus. It served as a law court and an exchange, reflecting the city’s bustling economic and political life.
The Temple of Janus Quirinus was closed by Augustus for the third time after the victory at Actium. This marked the arrival of peace in the Roman world.
The Temple of Vesta housed the palladium, a sacred image believed to guarantee Rome’s safety. This temple was a focal point of Roman religious life and symbol of the city’s enduring power.

Terms:

Sirocco: A hot, dry wind blowing from the Sahara desert, often bringing dust and discomfort.
Tramontana: A cold, dry wind blowing from the north, characteristic of the Italian winter.
Malaria: A mosquito-borne disease that causes fever, chills, and other symptoms. It was prevalent in the Campagna surrounding Rome, particularly during the warmer months.
Cicerone: A guide, especially a knowledgeable guide to art and history.
Trattoria: A simple Italian restaurant, typically serving traditional cuisine.
Tabernae: Shops, typically located in a Roman Forum, offering various goods and services.
Spolia Optima: The spoils taken from a defeated enemy by the Roman commander in single-handed combat, a rare and prestigious honor.
Ærarium: The public treasury of the Roman Republic, housed in the Temple of Saturn.
Clivus: An ascent or slope, particularly one leading to a temple or other significant structure.
Basilica: A large public building in ancient Rome, used for legal proceedings, commerce, and social gatherings.

Examples:

The story of Messalina’s lavish parties and her eventual execution in the gardens of Lucullus’s villa. This tale illustrates the decadent and perilous nature of Roman imperial life.
The story of the miraculous Bambino of Ara-Cœli and its daring retrieval after being replaced by a fake. This legend illustrates the power of religious faith and belief in miracles, common in Catholic Rome.
The story of Tiberius Gracchus’s assassination on the steps of Ara-Cœli, illustrating the political tensions that led to the rise of the Roman Republic’s first civil war.
The story of St. Peter’s imprisonment in the Mamertine Prisons, where he is said to have been chained to a pillar and miraculously provided with water to baptize his jailers. This tale is an important element of Christian tradition and reinforces the idea of the saint’s suffering and dedication to faith.
The story of the statue of Marforio and Pasquin, who engage in satirical dialogues about the follies of the government. This illustrates the tension between the power of the government and the public sphere in Rome.
The story of the “School of Xanthus,” a building housing scribes and officials in the Roman Forum, illustrating the importance of writing and administration in Roman society.
The story of the Column of Trajan, its bas-reliefs depicting the emperor’s military campaigns. This example showcases the use of art as a tool for propaganda and imperial glorification.
The story of the Temple of Mars Ultor, built by Augustus to honor his victory over the assassins of Julius Caesar, demonstrating the blend of religion and politics in Roman society.
The story of the Basilica Julia, built by Julius Caesar and finished by Augustus, highlighting the Roman practice of appropriating and reusing structures from previous eras.
The story of the Temple of Castor and Pollux, its location in the heart of the Roman Forum, marking its significance as a focal point for religious festivals and public gatherings.

Conclusion:

“Walks in Rome” by Augustus J. C. Hare is an invaluable guide to understanding the Eternal City, its captivating history, and its artistic treasures. By blending historical accounts with personal insights and anecdotal stories, Hare creates a vivid and engaging narrative, allowing readers to walk through the streets of ancient Rome and experience the city’s timeless allure. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of each landmark, urging readers to delve beyond the visual splendor and grasp the nuances of the past. Through its detailed descriptions, captivating anecdotes, and insightful observations, “Walks in Rome” serves as a companion for travelers seeking to uncover the secrets of this extraordinary city.

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