The Architecture of Power: Great Palaces of the Ancient World

Get an insider’s look at some of history’s most awe-inspiring structures in these 24 lectures presented by Professor of Classics Steven L. Tuck. As you make your way through storied sights like Persepolis, Hadrian’s Villa, Weiyang Palace, and the Palace of Montezuma II, you’ll explore the meaning of power and the ways it operated in societies across the globe.

The palaces of rulers past and present are truly a sight to behold. Marvel at Weiyang, China’s Endless Palace, about 11 times the size of Vatican City. Tour the gorgeous gardens at the Palace of Versailles, lined with bronze statues inspired by Dionysus, Apollo, and the four elements. Take a ride on the floating palaces, from the Syracusia of 240 BC, which stood an impressive three decks tall and boasted a library and gymnasium, to Cleopatra’s perfumed pleasure ship and Caligula’s luxurious bejeweled vessels.

The Architecture of Power: Great Palaces of the Ancient World offers an insider’s look at some of history’s most awe-inspiring structures. In 24 lectures presented by Professor of Classics Steven L. Tuck of Miami University, you will not only get a glimpse into imposing and magnificent sites, but you will also experience many that are inaccessible to the public—and even some that no longer exist. As you make your way through these storied sites, you’ll also delve into an exploration of the meaning of power and the ways it operated in societies across the globe. You’ll learn how rulers impressed, intimidated, survived, maintained control, and much more.

The Perpetuation of Power

These lectures will reveal a real-world Game of Thrones, where many rulers behaved ruthlessly toward the conquered and presided over their own people with an iron fist. This will to intimidate was often reflected in the immense size and luxury of palaces, built to a scale and degree of opulence that could overwhelm the commoner and elicit awe in neighbors and enemies alike.

However, they also reflected the rulers’ insecurities. Everyone from the Egyptian pharaohs to Saddam Hussein lived under constant threat of assassination and uprisings. Therefore, you’ll learn how the palaces offered protection, both internally and externally.

Besides the sheer size and grandeur of the buildings, leaders manipulated their elaborate living spaces in a variety of ways, including:

• Location: The placement of a structure within its environs has an impact on how its authority is perceived. This is one way the Egyptian pharaohs established themselves as dominant, even more powerful than priests.
• Materials: Using rare materials was a clear display of status, from the bronze doors of Persepolis to the numerous fountains and pools lining Saddam’s palaces in a land where water is scarce.
• Imported plants and animals: Perhaps most impressive was the collection of over 40 species of plants as well as domesticated lions and elephants roaming the gardens of the Assyrian palace at Nimrud. This demonstrated the king’s power over not only man but also nature.
• Artwork: This included paintings and sculptures as well as imposing stone reliefs which would often depict the ruler as a victorious conqueror or in some way honored by the gods.

About the Author

Professor Steven L. Tuck is Professor of Classics at Miami University. After earning his B.A. in History and Classics at Indiana University, he received his Ph.D. in Classical Art and Archaeology from the University of Michigan. He held the postdoctoral Arthur and Joyce Gordon Fellowship in Latin epigraphy at The Ohio State University.

An esteemed teacher, Professor Tuck received the 2013 E. Phillips Knox Teaching Award, Miami University’s highest honor for innovative and effective undergraduate teaching. In addition, the Archaeological Institute of America, North America’s oldest and largest organization devoted to archaeology, presented him with its Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award in 2014. He also has been named a Distinguished Scholar and an Altman Faculty Scholar at Miami University.

Product details

• Full Audiobook MP3 Program
• Full PDF Guidebook Included
• Author by: Professor Steven L. Tuck
• Language: English
• Producers: The Great Courses
• ASIN : 162997577X