Learn How to Pronounce Apollodorus of Damascus | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Apollodorus of Damascus
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Meaning and Context
Apollodorus of Damascus, a preeminent Greek architect and engineer of the 2nd century AD, stands as a towering figure in the history of Roman imperial architecture. Flourishing under the patronage of Emperor Trajan, he was the mastermind behind some of the most iconic and enduring structures of the Roman Empire, seamlessly blending Greek aesthetic principles with Roman engineering audacity. His most celebrated works include the monumental Trajan's Column, with its intricate spiral bas-relief depicting the Dacian Wars, and the vast Trajan's Forum, a civic complex that redefined the urban landscape of ancient Rome. Apollodorus's expertise extended beyond pure architecture into military engineering and civil engineering; he is credited with designing Trajan's Bridge across the Danube River, a marvel of wooden construction that demonstrated unparalleled technical prowess. His legacy, emblematic of the Roman architectural zenith during the Trajanic period, influenced subsequent imperial projects and cemented his reputation as a key figure in the development of classical architecture and ancient engineering techniques.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The name "Apollodorus of Damascus" is generally standardized in academic and historical texts, but variations and common errors do occur. The most frequent alternative spelling involves the Latinization "Apollodorus Damascenus," meaning "Apollodorus the Damascene," which is often used in older scholarly works. Common misspellings and typographical errors include "Apollodorus of Damacus" (dropping the 's'), "Appolodorus" (with a double 'p'), and "Apollodorous" (adding an 'o'). The genitive form "Apollodori" may appear in certain contexts. Furthermore, he is sometimes conflated or confused with other historical figures named Apollodorus, such as the Athenian grammarian and author of The Library, necessitating the clarifying geographical epithet "of Damascus" for accurate identification. When searching for information, using both the full name and the keyword "Damascene architect" can yield comprehensive results.
Example Sentences
The intricate spiral frieze on Trajan's Column, designed by Apollodorus of Damascus, serves as a priceless visual narrative of Emperor Trajan's military campaigns.
Historians argue that the innovative use of concrete and spatial design in Trajan's Forum showcases Apollodorus of Damascus's genius for integrating grand aesthetics with functional public space.
Although no longer standing, contemporary accounts describe Trajan's Bridge across the Danube as an engineering triumph that solidified Apollodorus of Damascus's reputation beyond mere architecture.
Modern scholars continue to analyze the technical drawings attributed to Apollodorus of Damascus to understand the advanced methodologies of Roman civil engineering.
When discussing the fusion of Greek and Roman architectural traditions, the work of Apollodorus of Damascus during the early 2nd century is invariably considered a paramount example.
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