Campana relief with Nile scene,

1st century CE

The Nile River, characterized here by animal inhabitants like the crocodile and hippopotamus, was a source of fascination to the Romans, who frequently made fantastical images of the activities that took place along its shores. At right, two pygmies, diminutive mythical figures associated with the divine nature of the flood, sail. To the left, a seminude woman reclines, lifting a drinking vessel. The two arches that frame these scenes are suggestive of one of the covered porticos that offered the opportunity to amble under shade while enjoying beautiful views. In my study of Roman architecture, I consider how architectural settings shape our understanding of such scenes. While the portico imitates something familiar to a Roman audience, three unfamiliar reed huts stand across the river. Such buildings, made with different forms and materials, are found in many Roman images of the Nile and emphasize the foreignness of the depicted culture.

Ashton Fancy, graduate student, Art & Archaeology, Princeton University