Roman Architecture Comparative Civilizations 12 K.J. Benoy

Origins of Roman Architecture As with sculpture, the Romans borrowed heavily from two cultures that they conquered – the Etruscans and the Greeks. Model of an Etruscan Temple

Origins of Roman Architecture Elements of Roman architecture show very significant Greek influence. However, Roman functional needs sometimes differed, resulting in interesting innovations. The Romans were less attached to “ideal” forms and extended Greek ideas to make them more functional.

Origins of Roman Architecture The Maison Nimes Romans needed interior space for worship, whereas the Greeks worshipped outside. Their solution was to extend the walls outward, creating engaged columns, while maintaining the same basic shape.

Origins of Roman Architecture The Maison Nimes

Roman Innovation To the original Greek orders, the Romans added two: The Tuscan order. The Compostite order.

Roman Innovation Tuscan Order: Like the Doric, except this one has a base.

Roman Innovation The Composite order combined elements of both the Ionic and Corinthian. It appears to be Corinthian acanthus leaves, supplemented with volutes.

Roman Innovation The Romans were the great engineers of the ancient world. Their structures, particularly of public works, were often massive in scale. Ruins of the Basilica of Constantine

Roman Innovation The Roman ability to build massively was largely determined by their discovery of slow- drying concrete, made with pozzolana sand. This allowed not only bases, but also walls to be constructed of mainly concrete or concrete and rubble. Facings could be made of more expensive stone or inexpensive brick. The result was strong structures that could be formed in any desirable shape.

Roman Innovation – Massive Building – the Temple of Fortuna Primigenia The Temple of Fortuna Primigenia was a massive structure, made possible by concrete construction.

Roman Innovation – Massive Building – Baths of Caracalla Roman baths were the recreation centers of Roman cities, incorporating pools, exercise facilities and even libraries. They could serve hundreds or thousands at a time.

Roman Innovation – The Arcuated Arch Romans did not invent this form, but they used it well in bridges, within buildings, and to allow aqueducts to span rivers and gorges.

Roman Innovation – Composite Walls Note the use of a brick outer facing and a fill of concrete and rubble.

Roman Public Water Supply Pont de Garde Aqueduct, Nimes

Roman Public Water Supply The Romans transported water from far away to cities via aquaducts. Cities themselves were plumbed, providing private water for the rich and for baths and communal supplies for poorer neighbourhoods.

Roman Innovation Entertainment – the Roman Colosseum

Roman Innovation - Public Entertainment Public spectacles – be they gladiatorial combat or theatrical – were given public venues. Theatres and arenas were built to hold multiple thousands of people and were engineered so as to allow quick and effective entry and exit.

Roman Innovation Entertainment – Ampitheater at Nimes

Roman Innovation Worship – The Pantheon

The magnificent interior space of the Pantheon was achieved by: Employing a dome over a drum. Coffering the dome to reduce weight. Placing an occulus to allow light to enter.

Roman Innovation Housing - Insulae Large apartment buildings housed most of the population of a Roman city.

Roman Innovation Road Building The need to move legions and trade goods in all weather led to the development of the best roads in the world (to the 19 th century).

Roman Innovation Road Building

Roman Roads Spanned the Empire

Public Buildings – Basilica Basilica were first built to house audience facilities for government officials. When Christianity became the state religion, this kind of building was adapted to Christian worship.

Public Buildings -- Basilica A large nave is flanked by side aisles behind a row of supporting piers. An Apse draws attention in the direction of the altar.

Conclusion The Romans were brilliant engineers. Their innovations form the basis of much of our civil engineering today.