Aqueduct of Segovia & Augustus of Prima Porta: Roman Heritage
Aqueduct of Segovia
The aqueduct begins about 16 km from Segovia, carrying water to the city. It is 728m long, with a minimum height of 7m and a maximum of 29m.
Elements of Support
The pillars and arches are built with large granite boulders without mortar, except for the part where water is piped.
Outer Space
The visible part is divided into two sections: one with 78 arches that gradually increase in height, and another with 44 superimposed double arches. The upper arches are the same height, while the bottom ones vary by area.
Relationship with the Environment
The aqueduct is a fundamental part of Segovia’s landscape, crossing the center and serving as a testament to Roman art.
Style
Roman. While other examples exist in Spain, this one is particularly important due to its size and high-quality construction, especially the use of opus caeminticium, a material made of small stones in a casing with mortar of lime and sand, similar to modern concrete.
Background
We know, thanks to brands, the staples that hold the commemorative inscription belonging to the mandate of Emperor Nerva. Other sources offer alternative accounts.
Content and Meaning
This aqueduct was built to supply the Roman city with water and is still working. A legend attributes its construction to the devil: a girl, tired of carrying water, made a deal that if the devil built an aqueduct in one night, she would give him her soul. However, a rooster crowed before he finished.
Function
The aqueduct transports water to the city.
Augustus of Prima Porta
A marble copy of a statue representing Emperor Augustus from Luni.
Composition
The figure is structured around an inverted S-shaped axis. It is not symmetrical; the left arm is bent, carrying a spear, while the right arm is slightly ahead. The head is raised, looking towards the arm’s direction. It is inspired by Polykleitos’s Doryphoros, using its mold. The figure is in contrapposto, but not perfectly. The armor hides the body’s harmony. The composition presents lines that make it smooth; the arm’s curve corresponds to the leg’s elevation. Predominantly frontal.
Rhythm
There is a balance between movement and rest.
Time and Expression
The expression shows the serene nobility of an idealized figure with dignity and eternal distance, conveying the emperor’s authority. His look and gesture control the space before him.
Style
Classical Roman era of the Roman Empire. This idealized portrait combines classical Greek and Roman portrait art. It represents Augustus based on the Doryphoros. The Doryphoros was ideal, while Augustus is represented realistically but idealized and embellished. The Doryphoros lacked focus and direction, which Augustus possesses, as the gesture of an emperor controls.
Content and Meaning
It represents a triumphant Augustus, who had over 80 statues in Rome. The name Prima Porta comes from the villa where it was found. His victorious attitude, standing with a spear, signals victory. Details characterize the founder of the Roman Empire: Cupid on a dolphin represents the goddess Venus, his armor depicts achievements in Hispania and Gaul, and he is barefoot, representing Greek gods and heroes.
Function
A tribute to Augustus, showing the disappearance of the Senate’s power, which did not allow such tributes to emperors or military armor.
Background and Explanations
Augustus was the first emperor of Rome.