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On-Line/Live Event
EXCLUSIVE WEBINAR BUNDLE NOVEMBER 2026
November 5, 2026
3 hours
$60.00
NEWPORT LECTURE SERIES 2027
“Building and Destroying Rome in a Day: From Romulus to Raphael”
IN-PERSON LECTURE EVENT
with Dr. Rocky Ruggiero
Date: Friday, April 9, 2027
Time: 11:00am – 3:15pm
Location: The Library at Ochre Court, Salve Regina University, Newport, RI
Cost: $325.00
Includes: In-person lectures with Dr. Rocky, and catered group lunch
Group Size: Maximum 20
NEWPORT LECTURE SERIES 2027
“Building and Destroying Rome in a Day: From Romulus to Raphael”
Date: April 9, 2027
Time: 11:00am – 3:15pm
Location: The Library at Ochre Court, Salve Regina University, 100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
Cost: $325.00
Includes: In-person lectures with Dr. Rocky, and catered group lunch
Program Description:
May 6, 2027, will mark the 500th anniversary of the Sack of Rome. This catastrophic historical event not only seriously debilitated the power of the papacy, but it also marked the end of the golden age of art known as the High Renaissance. For centuries, various popes had been trying to restore Rome to its former glory, and the election of Pope Julius II in 1503 seemed to herald the beginning of a “new imperial style.” Julius’ “renovatio Urbis” (“renovation of the city”) launched a massive overhaul of the “Eternal City.” The architect Donato Bramante was called to completely rebuild Christianity’s most important church – the Basilica of St. Peter. Michelangelo was called to create a tomb for the pope of which even the ancient Roman emperors would have been envious. Raphael was called to decorate the pope’s new apartments.
This magical period ended abruptly when 20,000 German, Spanish, and Italian mercenaries in the service of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V sacked Rome and for 8 days the city and its citizens fell victim to widespread plunder, massacres, and the desecration of churches and art. Rome’s population was reduced by nearly 75% due to killings, famine, and plague.
This in-person lecture event will trace the history and development of Rome from its mythical foundation by Romulus in the 8th century BCE to its sack during the reign of Medici pope Clement VII in 1527.
Schedule:
FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2027:
– Session 1 – 11am – 12:15pm – “The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire”
This lecture will examine the foundation myth of ancient Rome and how it reflects those critical historical and social factors that contributed to making Rome the most absolute empire in history. We will also examine Julius Caesar’s rise to power and the transformation of the Roman Republic into an Empire. We will then go on to explore the most decadent period in ancient Roman history – “Bread and Circuses” – when emperors provided both lavish foods and spectacular entertainment to the citizens of Rome, the architectural marvels that characterized this period, and how it eventually led to the downfall of the empire.
– Lunch break – 12:30 – 1:30pm (Catered Group Lunch)
– Session 2 – 1:30 – 2:45pm – “Rome: A City Fit for a Pope”
With the return of the Papacy to Rome from France in the late 14th century, the city began a long process of recovery from the collapse of the Roman Empire, which occurred nearly a millennium earlier. The pope would assert his role not only as the spiritual, but also as the earthly leader of the Latin Christian world. During the Renaissance, popes would begin to emulate the emperors of Antiquity and to appropriate much of their artistic language. With the reconstruction of St. Peter’s and the Vatican Palace, the pope now also had an appropriate seat from which to rule as the “Father of Kings”. This lecture will examine the major works of the Vatican collection, including the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Stanze, the Roman Antiquities, and the construction history of Saint Peter’s Basilica. It will conclude with a discussion of the causes, effects, and impact of the Sack of Rome of 1527.
– Q&A – 2:45pm – 3:15pm
Ochre Court Mansion, Salve Regina University
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
Payment in full is required at the time of registration and all sales are final. No refunds are offered on events, nor is payment transferrable to other events, on-line products and/or travel programs. We reserve the right to reschedule or cancel a class or event due to unforeseen circumstances, inclement weather, or otherwise. In the event of an event cancellation, we will contact you directly at the phone number or email address you have provided to offer a full refund or credit to transfer to a future event. Late Arrivals and No Shows will not be eligible for a refund.
