All Roads Lead to Rome: Planning the Legacy of an Ancient Empire with Andrew Kranis

Description The Italian Capital of Rome was planned around the glorious symbolism of the Roman Forum, and particularly the Capitoline Hill. In this lecture, you will discover how rulers in three periods (the Popes in the Renaissance, the Monarchy in the late 19th Century, and Mussolini in the Fascist era) place the Capitoline Hill at the center of their plans for updating the ancient Capital. If all roads lead to Rome, all roads in Rome lead to Piazza del Campidoglio.  We will start from Rome's 'Kilometer Zero' and move through three distinct eras of urban development, to examine an expanding metropolis that is 'modernized' to suit the aspirations of its rulers. What we'll discover is that, in every era, the Romans are looking over their own shoulder at the legacy of the Ancient Roman Empire. Rome-based architect and guide Andrew Kranis blends historic knowledge of the extraordinary achievements and exploits of the builders of Rome over the past five centuries, with a virtual tour of contemporary Rome, employing videos of his journey by bicycle and on foot through the city, along with live navigation using Google Maps. Led by an expert in Roman history and architecture, Andrew Kranis, this lecture will discuss the creation of modern Rome. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an understanding of why they say, "all roads lead to Rome."  About Your Expert Andrew, a New York City native, is a LEED-accredited architect who came to Rome as a Fellow of the American Academy. He holds a Masters in Architecture from Columbia University and a B.A. from Duke University. Here in Rome, he currently teaches architecture and researches ecology and urbanism in support of sustainable design projects such as his "Green Piazza" proposal for Rome. He has a varied background in design and historic preservation, which includes masonry conservation of landmark buildings in New York City as well as retail design for Whole Foods Market. Audience This conversation is suitable for all ages. Duration 50 minutes