Here in Las Vegas with the flashing lights and the bustling casinos, one doesn’t immediately dredge up imagery of the past, especially that of the ancient Romans. However, there are many references to their ancient influence in Vegas, and it’s a main part of the show.
Caesars Palace, opened in 1966 by Jay Sarno and Stanley Mallin, was built after its namesake, Julius Caesar, arguably the most recognized Roman general and consul. It’s one of the most famous areas on the Las Vegas Strip. It’s a huge complex, fitted with casinos, hotels, restaurants, and shops. The palace is entirely themed after the extravagant side of the Roman empire, taking much inspiration from Julius Caesar and Emperor Nero. Additionally, the Augustus, Octavius, Palace, Julius, and Forum towers are all named for famous figures or places in Rome, and areas within like the Forum Shops or the Laurel Lounge are no different in reference and theme.
The hotel and casino’s interior boast a variety of classically modeled architecture including a fifteen foot statue of Julius Caesar himself, building materials such as marble and limestone, replicas of fountains and artwork, gold-adorned icons, and other nods to the more opulent decorations from the Romans. The exterior keeps much of the same theme, with each building framed with grandiose pillars and the symmetrical style that the Romans loved. The use of white stone in those exteriors, continued in the fountains and statues of Roman figures, bring to life the shining image of Rome.
There are many statues throughout the facilities that range from the obscure to notorious. An example of a lesser-known mythological subject includes the hippocampus found in many of the fountains. The hippocampi, mythical Greek half-horse, half-fish sea creatures, are abundant in the fountains outdoors as well as in a central fountain in the Forum Shops. These hippocampi were symbols of the ocean’s might, and in Roman religion, they pulled Neptune’s chariot.
Perhaps more recognizable is the statue of Nero which, much like the statue of Caesar, is a tribute to one of the inspirations behind the theme of extravagance. In some ways, the infamous Emperor Nero might actually be a better representation of the hotel. Much like some of the entertainment offerings of the Las Vegas Strip, Nero was known for his excesses and promotion of theater and athletics. However, Nero was also reputed for his cruelty and debauchery and not associated with the same Roman glory that is celebrated with Caesar.
From theming and structures to mythological creatures and historical figures, Caesars Palace has many detailed homages to Roman art and architecture that show the long-lasting influence of the Romans on even the most modern offerings of lodging and entertainment.
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