Anglo-Saxon Grounds at the Time of the Norman Conquest

Anglo-Saxon Grounds at the Time of the Norman Conquest The introduction of the Normans in the latter half of the 11th century substantially modified The Anglo-Saxon ways of living. The Normans were much better than the Anglo-Saxons at architecture and horticulture when they came into power. But before concentrating on home-life or having the occasion to contemplate domestic architecture or decoration, the Normans had to subjugate an entire population. Because of this, castles were cruder constructions than monasteries: Monasteries were often immense stone buildings located in the biggest and most fertile valleys, while castles were erected on windy crests where their citizens devoted time and space to projects for offense and defense. The tranquil method of gardening was not viable in these dismal bastions. Berkeley Castle, perhaps the most unspoiled model of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture, still exists now. The keep is thought to date from the time of William the Conqueror. An enormous terrace encompasses the building, serving as an impediment to attackers trying to excavate under the castle walls. Anglo-Saxon Grounds Time Norman Conquest 864471749331803057.jpg

Anglo-Saxon Grounds Time Norman Conquest 864471749331803057.jpg

On one of these parapets is a picturesque bowling green covered in grass and enclosed by an aged hedge of yew that has been designed into coarse battlements.

"Primitive" Greek Art: Large Statuary

"Primitive" Greek Art: Large Statuary Archaic Greeks were known for providing the first freestanding statuary; up until then, most carvings were made out of walls and pillars as reliefs. Younger, attractive male or female (kore) Greeks were the subject matter of most of the statues, or kouros figures.

Thought of by Greeks to characterize skin care, the kouroi were shaped into firm, forward facing positions with one foot outstretched, and the male statues were always nude, well-built, and athletic. The kouroi grew to be life-sized commencing in 650 BC. Throughout the Archaic period, a big time of changes, the Greeks were developing new forms of government, expressions of art, and a deeper comprehension of people and cultures outside Greece. But in spite of the conflicts, the Greek civilization continued to advance, unabated.

Back Story of Wall Fountains

Back Story Wall Fountains 525045381695.jpg

Back Story of Wall Fountains Himself a learned man, Pope Nicholas V led the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 till 1455 and was responsible for the translation of hundreds of ancient texts from their original Greek into Latin. He undertook the embellishment of Rome to make it into the model capital of the Christian world. At the behest of the Pope, the Aqua Vergine, a ruined aqueduct which had transported clean drinking water into Rome from eight miles away, was reconditioned starting in 1453. A mostra, a monumental commemorative fountain built by ancient Romans to mark the point of entry of an aqueduct, was a tradition which was revived by Nicholas V. The architect Leon Battista Alberti was directed by the Pope to construct a wall fountain where we now see the Trevi Fountain. The aqueduct he had reconditioned included modifications and extensions which eventually enabled it to supply water to the Trevi Fountain as well as the renowned baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza Navona.