Blog Post 1 - Catalan Cultural Studies
This first picture (Number 1) shows a Roman wall. However, the bottom half of the wall is the only part that is from Roman times. The top half was not built during this time, and there is a clear distinction. When comparing the two halves, the bottom looks more structured and sturdier. This is something the Romans were known for. The top has thinner bricks and has a different style.
The second picture (Number 2) is an aqueduct. The most interesting aspect of this, personally, was that the arch was so prevalent. The arch was a major step in the right direction in terms of development. This shape allowed the Romans to build structures without having columns in the middle of a structure. (I learned this in Tarragona!) Now, in Catalonia, these arches are used much more than the previous columns.
The third picture (Number 3) shows a bridge that represents the mending of the political and religious powers. This is a huge step for a community because many times religious and political views clash. This bridge represents unity. I thought it was interesting that when we were walking to it, the sun was shining through the bridge. I am thinking that the Romans did not do that by mistake and wanted the bridge to be placed somewhere symbolic and beautiful as it represents both.
The fourth picture (Number 4) shows columns from Roman ruins. These truly blew me away as they have been able to remain pretty much intact. This is because when the Romans were building, they had the goal of making something last forever. Now, in more modern times, builders and architects know that their structures will not last forever. This is because in today’s society, we tend to want things done quickly and at a minimal price.
The fifth picture (Number 5) shows the stone of foundation of the Roman city. This was interesting to me as its location was near the Cathedral de Barcelona, which makes sense. The Romans valued religion and it was no mistake that this stone was tied to that.
The first image (Number 1) shows a religious artifact that represents different Roman gods. The Romans would pray to different gods for different things. For example, Venus, who we all are probably familiar with, represents love. It is interesting that the Romans first were Polytheistic, but as time went on and new beliefs were discovered, monotheism began to appear.
The second image (Number 2) shows a human sacrifice occurring. The Romans would sacrifice a human life to please the gods, or to show their respect and inferiority. The person was sacrificed because they were not being a good citizen. However, this was not valued on actions but rather how devoted the person was to their religion and worshiping the many Roman gods.
As time went on, Christianity became more popular. This allowed for the shift of Roman beliefs from polytheism to monotheism. This image shows a cross from Roman times. This shift in beliefs is so interesting because now there is one focal point as compared to previous times when there were many Gods to pray to. It also is interesting because although the shift was not quick, people were willing to change their beliefs. These beliefs have now remained constant in terms of the belief of one God. (Number 3)
This first picture (Number 1) is the town hall in Barcelona. This building has both the columns and arches which were very common in Roman architecture. It is very interesting to see that these methods are still used today and that they are used together in a structure. When looking at buildings prior to this post, I would simply think, “Wow that is beautiful.” Now I am able to better appreciate the architecture of the building as well as the cultural meaning that comes with that.
The second picture (Number 2) is a building in Catalonia. The detail reminded me of Roman times, especially the detail above the window. The shapes are unique and look ancient, which is what I was looking out for when walking on the streets as well as when looking images up online for further information.
The third picture (Number 3) is a building in Barcelona that really used columns as a focal point in the architecture as a whole. I also thought it was interesting that there were not as many arches, but instead, there were semi-circles. This look is more modern, but still appealed to the ways of Roman architecture.
Contrary to the third picture, the fourth picture (Number 4) has many arches. However, what caught my eye in this picture was the insane amount of detail. The Romans not only built things to last forever, but also ensured that when they were building something, they were doing it right and the best way possible. What I mean by this is they took the time to carve out buildings and design shapes to add what we now think of as a “Roman touch” in my own words.
This fifth picture (Number 5) is the back of the Sagrada Familia. The white part (which Gaudi designed to be ribs) and the tan part under it (which Gaudi designed to be muscle) reminded me of a combination of arches and columns. This is me using my imagination and simply seeing it made something go off in my head that this resembled the ways of the Romans. This was so interesting to me because my brain is already becoming rewired in terms of my own observations.
We can also find similarities with these common Roman architecture themes in the United States. The first thing that came to mind is the White House (Number 6). Personally, when I think of the White House, I picture the columns that all line the front. The picture of the columns from the Roman ruins reminds me of the columns that the White House has. This is one of many examples that I can think of.
A. In a Roman house, the Culina is the kitchen. I thought it was interesting that a focal point was the arch in the kitchen. (Number 7)
B. The Peristylum is a courtyard in the house. It usually is surrounded by columns as seen in the picture. This area was mostly used for leisure time. In today’s society, this resembles a backyard. (Number 8)
C. The atrium is near the center of the house. In the winter, this is where family activity takes place. Also, the space in the middle collects water to be used for drinking. I thought it was interesting that there were columns in this example of the room as well. (Number 9)
D. The triclinium is the dining area, which usually was only in the house of wealthy families. However, this room could be used for other things such as sleeping. (Number 10)
a. From the museum, the most interesting artifact personally was the “Tower of the Wall,” which was when you were able to physically step inside to be surrounded by the inside of Roman walls. (Number 1) This part of the museum was the part that felt the most real to me as I felt so immersed.
b. An artifact that touched me the most was the slab with Hebrew on it as I am half Jewish. (Number 2) Near the slab there was an explanation that stated, “Jews belonged to the king.” This was really scary to see typed out as it reminded me of the persecution Jewish people have experienced throughout history. It surprisingly made me even prouder to be Jewish.
c. The artifact that surprised me the most had to be the Funerary Portraits (Number 3). This contained portraits of people who had died in order to remember their existence. I thought it was fascinating that people were so dedicated to remembering the dead, which is something that has carried on through religion in the world today. However, now we just have tombstones rather than sculptures.
d. The tablinum is what the Romans used as laptops. It was a book that the Romans could write on and then erase to write more things. On the other hand, the tablinum is also the office room of the house for the master of the house. (Number 4) This is where they discussed business transactions.
Wine has been one of the most important parts of Roman culture, even prior to Christianity being introduced. However, when Christianity was introduced and became popular, wine was a symbol of the blood of Jesus – hence why it is still so important today. Even in present times, countryside houses usually still make Roman wine. In the museum, there was a wine amphora pivot (Number 1) which was actually made in Barcelona. This was so interesting to see that wine culture was just as if not more important as it is today.
Another part of the museum that was very interesting to me was the wine duct in the basement with the other ruins (Number 2). This is where the fermentation of the wine occurred.
In terms of Catalan wine culture, I found that a very popular region for white wine is Penedes. This region is known for the Cava it makes. In terms of red wine, the popular regions are Priorat and Montsant. Although both red and wine are very popular in Catalonia, Cava is definitely the most popular kind of wine. Here are pictures of both of the regions. The picture of the greenery is the Penedes region (Number 3), and the picture of the map shows the Priorat and Montsant regions (Number 4)
Visigothic influence in Catalonia mainly involved the introduction of other beliefs. It was interesting because while people were going to church to discuss their same beliefs, they had very different ways of life. One way of life that was different for the Visigoths was that they had multiple wives. However, the main change that they brought upon Catalonia was when the Visigothic king announced that he was converting to Catholicism. The image below is a picture of the king, Recaredo I, (Number 1) that was the one who decided to covert.
Although I unfortunately was not able to see the Visigothic baptism pool (Number 2), I still was amazed to learn how much religion played a part in everyday life. When Christianity and Catholicism arrived in Catalonia, people probably felt that they had a purpose. This belief system also unified the people of Catalonia. People no longer had to worry about simply being a good person. Instead, they now had to worry about being good at practicing their religion. This brought a spin on the daily lives of the people.
