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Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology

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The Oxford English Dictionary defines a spectacle as “a specially prepared or arranged display of a more or less public nature (especially one on a large scale), forming an impressive or interesting show or entertainment for those viewing it”. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon would be classified as such a display, considering their lack of a practical purpose, merely intended to flaunt the wealth and power of the king as a glorious complement to his palace. The purpose of a spectacle is to astound the viewer, and the Hanging Gardens would certainly have done just that, with their artificially constructed mountain of greenery.

--Kirstin Purtich

A spectacle is something deliberately and publicly presented, often on a colossal scale, meant to inspire or impress. The Nabataean city of Petra uses landscape to create a public spectacle. The Nabataeans incorporated the rock landscape into their city and culture, and this awe-inspiring feat served to impress travelers. Use of landscape in their architecture means that the Nabataeans had to successfully correlate the natural with the built environment.

--Sarah Evelyn

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Posted at Dec 01/2008 01:02PM:
Abigail Taft: A spectacle is something of impressive nature that is meant to be seen or viewed. The online Merriam-Webster dictionary states that a spectacle, is “ an eye-catcing or dramatic public display.” Spectacles can be made into several different forms. They could be buildings, monuments, and/or artwork. The column of Trajan could be an example of a spectacle because of its grandiose size and appearance that is extremely impressive for viewers.