Roman Through Paris

 
Lutetia

Lutetia, Vulgari Nomine Paris, Urbs Galliae Maxima

To lift your mood on the Ides of April, I hereby invite you to the Inaugural Ricochet Pariscope walk with me tomorrow at 7:00 pm local time. That’s 1:00 pm in Charleston, noon in Dallas, and 10:00 am in Oregon.

I’m not going to plan the route overmuch, because the whole point is that you can see something interesting and say, “Hey, what’s that thing, down there on the right?” But my general plan is to begin at the beginning of time.

Lutetia was the largest Roman city in Europe. It was founded on the island in the middle of the city, and it expanded to the Left Bank of the Seine: The neighborhood is still called the Latin Quarter. We’ll start our walk there, so the first thing you’ll see is large groups of Chinese tourists, souvenir shops, and the French military, looking stressed and trying to make sure nothing bad happens to the tourists.

Keep an eye out for the Roman architecture. In the strictest sense, you can’t see it: When the Roman Empire collapsed in the fifth century, so did Lutetia, and by the beginning of the Middle Ages almost everything they’d built was gone. But we know what used to be there. In the mid-19th century, Baron Haussmann renovated Paris. Had he not done so, Lutetia would still be hermetically preserved below the city’s medieval layer, and we’d know almost nothing about it.

Before we go, have a look at these wonderful watercolors by the French archaeologist Jean-Claude Golvin. That’s the best I can do to show you ancient Lutetia for now, since we don’t yet have a time-travel streaming-video app. (But stay tuned: If Dan Hanson’s right about the progress we’ve made in VR, I should be able to do that pretty soon.)

It’s tempting to think that the mistakes made by Paris’s postwar architects were owed, among other things, to their obscene arrogance and their contempt for history. But Haussmann, too, was obviously nothing if not arrogant and indifferent to history: He took a glance at the ancient Roman forum, the aqueducts, the public theater, the basilica — all of which had been buried for more than a thousand years — and buried it again, this time for good. “Unbelievable as it may be,” writes Thirza Vallois, “most of the original Roman amphitheater that was unearthed in 1867-68, during Haussmann’s renovation, was demolished in 1870 to make room for a city bus depot.”

But Paris was even more beautiful after Haussmann’s renovation than it had been before. Why? Because the Romans seem to have discovered architectural principles upon which you can’t improve, save to add decoration or embellishment. Even though Haussmann and his contemporaries were indifferent to the physical relics of antiquity, they ascribed entirely to these principles.

How do you recognize a Roman building? It looks pretty much like a Greek or an Etruscan building, but with some important innovations. The Romans used new materials, by the standards of the time. They were the first to use concrete. (Ricochet has an in-house concrete expert, to whom I direct all further questions about this: He knows way more about this than the rest of us ever will.)

Alright, but apart from the concrete, what have the Romans ever done for us?

They figured out how to go beyond trabeated systems for holding up roofs. If you see arches and domes, it means “Romans was here.”

Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens, known as the greatest architect in British history, built this section of New Delhi. Notice the architectural language he built it in.

Okay, but besides the arches and domes, what have the Romans ever done for us?

They appreciated that even though they were able to build without columns, that didn’t mean they should. They had the insight to see that architecture is a language. You can’t suddenly start building things without the columns and expect people to understand what they mean.

United-States-Supreme-Court-building-631.jpg__800x600_q85_crop

When Americans are serious, we speak Roman, too.

Columns, domes, and arches mean, “built by a major-league empire that means to be here forever.” It’s an architectural language everyone in the world understands, because sooner or later, everyone was either colonized by the Romans or colonized in turn by the people they colonized. (Do the words “column” and “colonize” come from the same root, I wonder? Anyone know?)

Alright, but besides the concrete, the columns, the domes, the arches, and inventing the architectural style that everywhere in the world, to this day, means “We’re an empire and we’re here to stay,” what else have the Romans done for us?

Well, they were the first to build cities in neatly-organized grids, with many public spaces, in a systematic, organized way. Haussmann approached the problem of urban planning much as a Roman would.

2458497-universites-la-guerre-entre-normale-sup-et-jussieu

The Jussieu university campus is in the Latin Quarter, but there’s nothing Roman about it. It’s criminally ugly.

The Parisian Renaissance was inspired by the Italian Renaissance, which was inspired — of course — by the Romans. So what Haussmann proved is that it is possible to tear down large parts of an ancient city down and rebuild it to make it more practical — or more hygienic, in this case — without destroying the city aesthetically. So long as you strictly follow Roman rules.

Screen Shot 2016-04-15 at 16.51.54

If you’re in doubt about the rules of architecture, Vitruvius will set you straight.

French art historians sometimes sneer at the French Renaissance as “derivative,” in that the French were mimicking the Italians rather than creating something new. The period of which they’re most proud is French classical, which they view as original. But it isn’t. It’s still based on the traditional columns and proportions of Roman architecture. (And on Italian renaissance decoration: You can add a lot of decoration to a Roman building without doing it any harm.)

In other words, Paris is Roman all the way down, and to the extent any building deviates from its Roman heritage, it’s always ugly. You’ll see what I mean tomorrow.

Any questions before we go? And hey, does anyone know how to put columns and a dome on this widget?

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  1. Claire Berlinski, Ed. Member
    Claire Berlinski, Ed.
    @Claire

    Manny:I just saw the first clip. I don’t have to be on live, it’s recorded. I didn’t realize that. Great. I’ll get to the next clip a little later on.

    Yeah, but if you watch it live, you can chat with me in real time. I haven’t tried this yet (no one with the app has watched the practice videos), but my hope is that it’s a fun way to interact with you guys and show you what you feel like seeing. (Rather than me just narrating as if it’s a TV show.) I still don’t totally know how this works, because I’m only just learning.

    • #31
  2. Jules PA Inactive
    Jules PA
    @JulesPA

    so we download an app to our phone? computer?

    I can’t join in today, but what you are describing sounds interesting, and I would love to watch a video of the transactions and interactions.

    • #32
  3. Hang On Member
    Hang On
    @HangOn

    The columns are Greek, not Roman. They don’t call them Corinthian, Doric and Ionic for nothing. And the golden dimension ratios are as well.

    While I certainly am a fan of classical architecture, I like modern as well. The Pompidou Center is fantastic. Pure whimsy. I love wandering around it and marveling. Visible practicality.

    I hate what they’ve done to the Louvre with I. M. Pei’s monstrosity in front. It will be forever a blot on his name and can’t make up for it.

    • #33
  4. Eric Hines Inactive
    Eric Hines
    @EricHines

    Claire Berlinski, Ed.: Odds are I wasn’t abducted by aliens, live.

    Well, if you are, keep filming.  That’ll be a helluva tour.  And I’ll come visit you in Area 51 when you’re back.

    Jules PA: so we download an app to our phone? computer?

    To your phone, via the link Ms Berlinski provided in her OP.  Supposedly to your PC, too, but I’ve not found that link.

    Apparently, too, you can only harass/interact with Ms Berlinski via the phone link; the PC is watch only.

    Eric Hines

    • #34
  5. Eric Hines Inactive
    Eric Hines
    @EricHines

    Hang On: I hate what they’ve done to the Louvre with I. M. Pei’s monstrosity in front. It will be forever a blot on his name and can’t make up for it.

    I’m not sure that’s his worst; it strikes me that most of that one’s failure is more from its being wholly out of place.

    Other of his productions are just as, if not more, ridiculous.

    Eric Hines

    • #35
  6. Tenacious D Inactive
    Tenacious D
    @TenaciousD

    I’m watching on chromecast, so technically you’re on tv!

    • #36
  7. Front Seat Cat Member
    Front Seat Cat
    @FrontSeatCat

    That was so sooooo AWESOME!! Loved it – I have comments for later! Thank you – great job!

    • #37
  8. RushBabe49 Thatcher
    RushBabe49
    @RushBabe49

    I watched some of it, while writing my Deadlines post.  Sounded fun.  Does the app work on an iPad?  Notre Dame was really cool.  Claire, could you use a tablet instead of a tiny phone?  I look forward to more of these.  Thank you!

    • #38
  9. Mark Coolidge
    Mark
    @GumbyMark

    I got audio and video on your first 1 minute piece but could only get audio on the last two.

    • #39
  10. Fred Williams Inactive
    Fred Williams
    @FredWilliams

    Fantastique.  Look forward to more.

    • #40
  11. Eric Hines Inactive
    Eric Hines
    @EricHines

    That was a cool tour.  Thank you.

    Eric Hines

    • #41
  12. Claire Berlinski, Ed. Member
    Claire Berlinski, Ed.
    @Claire

    Front Seat Cat:That was so sooooo AWESOME!! Loved it – I have comments for later! Thank you – great job!

    I’m so glad you had fun! I did, too — I think this app has real potential, don’t you? I want to get much better at using it.

    My hands are so cold now I can barely type. It was really chilly out there! I didn’t even notice until I stopped broadcasting.

    • #42
  13. Claire Berlinski, Ed. Member
    Claire Berlinski, Ed.
    @Claire

    Eric Hines:That was a cool tour. Thank you.

    Eric Hines

    No, thank you for making it possible.

    • #43
  14. Claire Berlinski, Ed. Member
    Claire Berlinski, Ed.
    @Claire

    Mark:I got audio and video on your first 1 minute piece but could only get audio on the last two.

    Hmmm. That’s weird. Did anyone else have that problem?

    • #44
  15. Claire Berlinski, Ed. Member
    Claire Berlinski, Ed.
    @Claire

    RushBabe49:I watched some of it, while writing my Deadlines post. Sounded fun. Does the app work on an iPad? Notre Dame was really cool. Claire, could you use a tablet instead of a tiny phone? I look forward to more of these. Thank you!

    I think it does works on an iPad. But I’m a total beginner with this — that was my first-ever broadcast. I’ll be better able to answer questions about this in a week.

    • #45
  16. Eric Hines Inactive
    Eric Hines
    @EricHines

    Claire Berlinski, Ed.:

    Eric Hines:That was a cool tour. Thank you.

    Eric Hines

    No, thank you for making it possible.

    Pssht.  You’re the one did the doing.  The rest of us just sat around looking over your phone’s shoulder and kibitzing.

    Eric Hines

    • #46
  17. Bill Walsh Inactive
    Bill Walsh
    @BillWalsh

    Column and colony are unrelated. The former comes from Latin columna, meaning “pillar,” and ultimately from PIE *kel– (4) “to project, be prominent.

    Colony comes from colonus, “husbandman, tenant farmer, inhabitant in new land” from colere “inhabit, frequent, practice, tend, guard, respect,” and thither from PIE *kwelto move around.” As does not column, but…wheel.

    • #47
  18. starnescl Inactive
    starnescl
    @starnescl

    I’m so upset I missed this live.  I’ll watch it recorded on Periscope.

    Claire – I really like where you are going with all of this.  It’s very creative.  Use us as guinea pigs and then really go for growing an audience.

    If you go about this the way it looks now – boy, you will accrue a mess of great and diverse material.  I really would like to see you leverage that into a strong audience for yourself (and a book!)

    So, can’t wait to watch the video from today and eagerly anticipate the next installment.

    • #48
  19. Ann Inactive
    Ann
    @Ann

    Sounds like fun but like Mark I could only hear and see your first attempt on my computer.

    Periscope does not respond for me on your 2nd and 3rd videos when I click on them using my computer. (I’m using Firefox.) It says get the app but then shows the app to be for phone only.

    • #49
  20. starnescl Inactive
    starnescl
    @starnescl

    I bet the issue is that Periscope is natively mobile app.  I brought it up on the web (Mac with latest OSX and Chrome browser) and I could see your account and two videos in last 24 hours, but playing either didn’t work.

    Used Periscope app on my phone and it works just fine.  I searched for Claire Berlinski, which pulled you up without a hitch, and followed you.  Was able to see those same two videos and play them without a hitch.

    Again, they developed this from the beginning for mobile and not web.  So, use the mobile app for all of this and it will work just fine.

    • #50
  21. Mark Coolidge
    Mark
    @GumbyMark

    starnescl:I bet the issue is that Periscope is natively mobile app. I brought it up on the web (Mac with latest OSX and Chrome browser) and I could see your account and two videos in last 24 hours, but playing either didn’t work.

    Used Periscope app on my phone and it works just fine. I searched for Claire Berlinski, which pulled you up without a hitch, and followed you. Was able to see those same two videos and play them without a hitch.

    Again, they developed this from the beginning for mobile and not web. So, use the mobile app for all of this and it will work just fine.

    Thanks for the tip.  Just signed on via mobile and it worked fine.  Will watch the video tomorrow.

    • #51
  22. Dave L Member
    Dave L
    @DaveL

    I really enjoyed the tour! I especially liked inside Notre Dame. I was just a boy the last time I was there, 1960 I believe, but I have vivid memories mostly tied to places like Notre Dame, Versailles, and the Arc de Triomphe, which might speak to your theory on beautiful architecture.

    Your voice came in much clearer than during the practice. I was using my iPhone 6 and only had occasional freeze frames and a couple of short lost signals.

    • #52
  23. starnescl Inactive
    starnescl
    @starnescl

    One more note: Went to the Periscope website and found this: https://help.periscope.tv/customer/portal/articles/2017800-can-i-replay-a-broadcast-after-it-finishes-

    It says this:

    The default setting saves the broadcast for 24 hours in the Watch Tab for both iOS, Android and on the Web.

    When your broadcast is finished, it will take a few seconds to upload for replay as indicated by the uploading bar. Keep the broadcast screen open until the upload is finished; if you close out of this screen too soon your broadcast may not save. Unless removed by the broadcaster, the broadcast will be replayable any time for 24 hours after the broadcast. For more on deleting replays, see here.

    We do not have the ability to retrieve replays at this time.

    Since I could see the replay on the iOS app, you must have kept your screen open long enough.  So, not sure why it’s not playing online except that Periscope really isn’t about the web.

    • #53
  24. starnescl Inactive
    starnescl
    @starnescl

    P.P.S.:

    You may already know all this, but one thing I couldn’t do with your video is rewind and fast forward.  Also, it looks like it will be gone in 24 hours. (I wonder if the link will still work)

    I love the live aspect of Periscope and hope you keep doing it.  But, I don’t want you to lose that content.  I found the following on Periscope’s help page: How do I save my broadcast to my device?

    After ending a broadcast, tap ‘Save to Camera Roll’ or ‘Save to Gallery’ on the information panel to download the video stream to your phone. (Android users – depending on your Android device, the broadcast might save in your gallery or your video app. Periscope will not save directly to a SD card.)

    Only your video stream is saved — chats and hearts are not.

    To automatically save all video streams to your camera roll:

    1. Navigate to the People Tab.
    2. Tap the Profile icon in the top right corner
    3. From your Profile page, tap Settings.
    4. Turn on ‘Autosave Broadcasts.’

    Once you’re done, your broadcast should be available in your Camera Roll (iOS) or Gallery or Video app (depending on your Android device).

    (…)

    So, looks like you can Periscope live AND save the whole video for other use (minus the hearts and chat), like uploading to YouTube and play on a site of your own. Probably need a lot of free memory on your phone before you start.

    • #54
  25. MerryKate Inactive
    MerryKate
    @MerryKate

    If there’s ever an opportunity to have a Richochet member group travel to Europe, I’ll be the first to sign up. We seem to have experts in very field….imagine the dinner conversations.

    • #55
  26. James Gawron Inactive
    James Gawron
    @JamesGawron

    starnescl:One more note: Went to the Periscope website and found this: https://help.periscope.tv/customer/portal/articles/2017800-can-i-replay-a-broadcast-after-it-finishes-

    It says this:

    The default setting saves the broadcast for 24 hours in the Watch Tab for both iOS, Android and on the Web.

    When your broadcast is finished, it will take a few seconds to upload for replay as indicated by the uploading bar. Keep the broadcast screen open until the upload is finished; if you close out of this screen too soon your broadcast may not save. Unless removed by the broadcaster, the broadcast will be replayable any time for 24 hours after the broadcast. For more on deleting replays, see here.

    We do not have the ability to retrieve replays at this time.

    Since I could see the replay on the iOS app, you must have kept your screen open long enough. So, not sure why it’s not playing online except that Periscope really isn’t about the web.

    starn,

    I just watched it on my home computer (with the 24″ monitor and blue tooth stereo headphones). All I did was go to periscope on my phone, log in and find Claire’s video. Then I copied the url link and then kick up my email program and emailed the url to myself. Then I went back to my computer kicked up the email program there and hit the link. It went directly to Claire’s video and it played very nicely.

    Regards,

    Jim

    • #56
  27. Claire Berlinski, Ed. Member
    Claire Berlinski, Ed.
    @Claire

    Bill Walsh:Column and colony are unrelated. The former comes from Latin columna, meaning “pillar,” and ultimately from PIE *kel– (4) “to project, be prominent.

    Colony comes from colonus, “husbandman, tenant farmer, inhabitant in new land” from colere “inhabit, frequent, practice, tend, guard, respect,” and thither from PIE *kwelto move around.” As does not column, but…wheel.

    Heck of a coincidence, still.

    • #57
  28. starnescl Inactive
    starnescl
    @starnescl

    Jim,

    Thanks for pointing that out.  I just sent myself the link from the iphone app and opened that one in my browser and it worked too.

    Plus, I could see the navigation bar that shows me the length of the video and lets me fast forward and rewind.  Perfect!

    So I guess it was the original link, which did take me to a Periscope page for Claire on the web and I could see that there was a “Lutecia” video and it gave me a play button.  However, nothing would happen when I clicked play.

    Again – thanks Jim.

    p.s.: However, there must be ONE CLICK ACCESS to Claire Berlinski content!

    • #58
  29. starnescl Inactive
    starnescl
    @starnescl

    Oh goodness – of course, I should include the link here.

    And, here it is … https://www.periscope.tv/w/aeJBpDIyMTMxfDFkakdYREJNUE1PR1qQsz1O7W88bMem6EItw6Mc2b6LasnfMH4DQ3CwYJARgQ==

    p.s.: I’m on OSX, and it works in Safari for me, but not in Chrome.  In Chrome, the link works, but the video doesn’t play.

    And, Claire – I do apologize for all the spam here, but I want give you feedback on all of this so you can tune what you do so it’s as accessible as possible.

    Also, I haven’t had a chance to watch any but the first five minutes, so I’m really looking forward to the watching the full tour.

    • #59
  30. Claire Berlinski, Ed. Member
    Claire Berlinski, Ed.
    @Claire

    So did anyone have any questions about what we saw? I don’t know if I know the answers, but I thought you might like to read about my grandfather and his connection to Paris and that organ — and to understand why whenever I walk into that cathedral, I miss him.

    • #60
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