Discover why a hairstyle inspired by Brutus once became a trend in America. Explore the neoclassical architectural style that dominated post-Revolutionary America and embodied its democratic ideals. Delve into the story of Cincinnatus, the humble farmer-soldier whose values influenced American founders. Uncover the stark contrasts between Roman and American systems of slavery and reflect on the enduring influence of ancient Rome on contemporary American governance and culture. Can ancient lessons help navigate today's challenges?
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Washington's Roman Statue
Jefferson commissioned a statue of Washington in Roman attire.
He believed Roman style was superior to contemporary fashion.
insights INSIGHT
American Neoclassicism
Americans shifted from British monarchy to Roman republic ideals after the revolution.
They built neoclassical buildings, but mistakenly in white, not the original vibrant colors.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Jefferson's Temple
Jefferson admired a Roman temple in Nîmes, France, and had a copy built in Richmond, Virginia.
This marked the beginning of Roman-inspired federal architecture.
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How the New World Became Old, the Deep Time Revolution in America
How the New World Became Old, the Deep Time Revolution in America
The Deep Time Revolution in America
Caroline Winterer
Caroline Winterer's "How the New World Became Old" explores the United States' evolving understanding of deep time, from the early republic to the mid-20th century. The book examines how geological discoveries shaped American national identity and resource management. Winterer highlights the often-overlooked roles of various fossils, including trilobites and ferns, in this narrative. She reveals how deep time imaginaries influenced perceptions of the continent's origins, landscapes, and inhabitants. The book also addresses the environmental and social consequences of these conceptions.
Why was there once a fashion for styling your hair like Brutus, the most famous of Julius Caesar's assassins? Why are there so many neoclassical buildings in the United States? And how was the Ancient Roman Empire once used as a justification for the system of enslavement?
Find out in this episode, as Don is joined by Caroline Winterer, William Robertson Coe Professor of History and American Studies at Stanford University. Caroline is the author of five books, most recently 'How the New World Became Old: The Deep Time Revolution in America'.
Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.
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