Geniale Bauten der Römer (2021)

 

 

 

 

Geniale Bauten der Römer is a documentary film in two parts which was shown on German television (ZDF) in 2021.

 

The topic of this film is architecture and buildings as well as engineering and technology in the Roman Empire. But the examples chosen are not from Rome or Italy but from two Roman provinces: France and Spain.

 

Here is some basic information about this film:

 

** Director: Safaa Aboufares

** Language: German

** Subtitles: German

** Available on the ZDF website

** Run time: 2 x 43 minutes = 86 minutes

 

Part 1

Das Aquädukt von Nîmes

Nîmes is located in Provence in the south of France. The ancient name of the Roman town is Nemausus.

 

In this episode we hear about the construction of the aqueduct which transported water to the town. The topic is covered in great detail.

 

Part 2

Tarragona

Tarragona is located in Catalonia in the northeastern part of Spain. The ancient name of the Roman town is Tarraco.

 

In this episode we hear about ancient buildings and monuments in Tarragona. The topic is covered is great detail.

 

While the main focus is on Tarragona, there are three exceptions. When the director wants to show us some detail which is no longer visible in Tarragona, the location is switched to a place in France.

 

This happens on three occasions:

 

The first time

17 minutes into the film, the location is switched to Arles (Arelate) in France, because the director wants to show us some details of a Roman bath complex (thermae), including the sophisticated heating system (hypocaustum).

 

The second time

23 minutes into the film, the location is switched to Orange (Arausio) in France, because the director wants to show us some details of a Roman theatre.

 

The third time

39 minutes into the film, the location is switched to Nîmes (Nemausus) in France, because the director wants to show us some details of a Roman amphitheatre, including the drain which prevents flooding and the awning (velarium) which protects the audience from the heat of the sun.

 

If you are interested in the history of the ancient world – in particular the history of Roman architecture – this film is definitely something for you.

 

It is highly recommended.

 

REFERENCES

 

Rom am Rhein

There are three episodes:

# 1. Krieg und Frieden

# 2. Blüte und Bedrohung

# 3. Zentrum des Imperiums

Subtitles: German

Run time: 3 x 43 minutes = 129 minutes

ZDF, 2016

 

Brot und Spiele: Wagenrennen im alten Rom

Subtitles: German

Run time: 58 minutes

ZDF, 2019

 

Carnuntum: Weltstadt im Land der Barbaren

Subtitles: not available!

Run time: 43 minutes

ZDF, 2020

 

Superbauten der Antike

There are three episodes:

# 1. Die Römer in Lyon (Lugdunum)

# 2. Die Römer in Arles (Arelate)

# 3. Die Römer in Paris (Lutetia)

Subtitles: not available!

Run time: 3 x 52 minutes = 156 minutes

ZDF, 2022

 

Die Römer in Nîmes

Subtitles: not available!

Run time: 42 minutes

ZDF, 2022

 

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Geniale Bauten der Römer

The amphitheatre in Tarragona

ZDF, 2021

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