ANCIENT ROME
1. Introduction
2. Temples
3. City of Rome
4. Public Buildings
5. Houses
ARCG 211
History of Architecture I
Lecture - 4
Overview
• Roman architecture continued the legacy left by
Greek architects and the established architectural orders,
especially the Corinthian.
• Roman architecture is the architecture of space; enclosed
internal space and outdoor spaces on a grand scale.
• Roman history is divided into three phases; the rule of the early
kings, the Republic and the Empire.
• Roman architecture is known for great monuments, different
buildings, functional construction such as roads, bridges and
aqueduct.
• The Roman use of concrete, brick, and arches twinned with
building designs like the amphitheater and basilica would
immeasurably influence all following western architecture right up
to the present day.
Starting with Augustus in 27 B.C.E.,
the Roman emperors ruled for five
hundred years. They expanded Rome’s
territory and their vast empire stretched
from Syria to Spain and from Britain to
Egypt. Networks of roads connected
rich and vibrant cities, filled with
beautiful public buildings. A shared
Greco-Roman culture linked people,
goods and ideas.
Caesar Augustus “all roads lead to Rome” Hadrian’s Wall
[Link]
Engineering Skills Aqueducts
Where did the water go….
Engineering Skills Roman roads
Roman Concrete Building with concrete Roman Walls
Roman Oders
• Roman architects continued to follow the guidelines established
by the classical orders the Greeks had first shaped: Doric, Ionic,
and Corinthian.
• The Corinthian was particularly favored.
• The Romans also created the Composite Capital which mixed the
volute of the Ionic order with the acanthus leaves of the
Corinthian.
• The Tuscan Column was another adaptation of a traditional idea
which was a form of Doric column but with a smaller capital,
more slender shaft without flutes, and a molded base.
Roman Innovation in Classical Orders
Roman Art of Vaulting
Barrel / Tunnel Vault
Tunnel Vault & Groin Vault
Types of Arches Aqueduct and Arch Groin vault on 4 points
Great Variety of Different Building Types
TEMPLES
Roman Temples
• Etruscan influence
• Located within the city Etruscan architecture was
• Placed on the podium created between about 900 BC and
• Approach from one side 27 BC, when the expanding
civilization of ancient Rome finally
• Deep front porch – “front design”
absorbed Etruscan civilization.
• Imposing façade – one point view Roman temples developed from
• Roman temples emphasized Etruscan prototype, similar to the
front of the building Greek temples.
• Interior design treatment
Arch breaks into the pediment “Syrian Pediment” over
the main entrance
Roman Temples VS Greek Temples
Roman temples were different from Greek temples for two reasons:
1. interior of the temple 2. relationship with the surrounding.
Roman temples were part of urban environment and everyday life, whereas,
Greek temples were more isolated. Greek temple was set down in an open area
and approached from all sides. The Roman temple was placed at the clearly
defined space and axially aligned. Usually Greek temples were built on a
platform base and approaches from all sides, but Roman temples were pushed
back of a high podium approached by a broad stairs only from one side. The
Roman temple had front columns, primarily at the front supporting the gable
roof over the entrance. This treatment produced an imposing facade.
Roman Temple Greek Temple
Maison Carre Temple (20 BC-15 BC)
• One of the best preserved Roman temple
• Clear geometrical geometry
• Located in Nimes, France
• Corinthian Orders
• 6x11 columns
• Carved entablature
Pantheon - for all Roman Gods (120AD – 124AD)
• Marvel of architectural harmony and proportion
• Temple of all gods
• Built by Hadrian
• 8 recesses in the plan; one at the main entrance and seven for the place for
sculptures for major seven gods
• Roof as dome, symbol of sky and heaven
• Dome has 28 ribs (28 days in Roman month)
• Oculus is the only source of natural light
• Built of concrete with very thick walls to carry the big and heavy dome
• Coffers are introduced to make the dome visually and physically lighter
Pantheon - for all Roman Gods (120AD – 124AD)
circular building
8 recesses & huge
dome 42m x 42m
28 ribs & oculus
square coffers
Pantheon
Video
[Link]
CITY OF ROME & PUBLIC BUILDINGS
City of Rome - Forum
• Forum-Heart of the cities. Civic open
spaces lines with stoas and public buildings.
• The Forum served same function as Greek
Agora.
• Often clear architectural definition with its
rectangular shapes dominated by the temple
at the end of the axis.
Forum Romanum
Forum Romanum – growth by accretion
(increase in size by gradual external addition)
roofed colonnades, statues, temples,
markets, basilicas, libraries
Trajans Market
covered
market
street
Basilica of Maxentius (313 AD)
• Public buildings for legal proceeding.
• Long rectangular building placed adjacent
to a forum.
• Entrance through nartex.
• Internal colonnade with an aps or
projection at one end.
• Basilica was divided into two spaces; wider
center space nave, and aisles on the sides
which are narrower than nave.
• In section, nave was always higher than • dimension 24mx72m
aisles. • height 35m
• Opening for natural ventilation between the • nave higher
height difference – clearstory windows. than aisles
• groin vault & tunnel vault
Roman Bath – Caracalla (211 – 217)
AD)
• 2 entrance halls
• natatio (roofless swimming pool)
• frigidarium (cold water)
• tepidarium (warm water)
• calidarium (hot water)
• open peristyles
• gymnastic rooms
• park & stadium
• lecture halls & library
• aqueduct
Hypocaust system
– “fire beneath”
• central heating /
under floor heating
wall flues for hot air circulation
Roman Theaters Greek Theatre Roman Theatre
• Outdoor entertainment
space.
• Derived from Greek model.
• More architecture work.
• Did not required mountain
slope or hill side.
• Semicircular auditorium
with high stage building
(scaenae) decorated with
niches and sculptures.
• Semi circular ochestra.
Engineering Wonder
Roman Amphitheatre - Collosseum
• 45 000 people
• 180m x 150m
• height 50m
• arena & 3 rings of
seats
• 3 Orders
• underground level
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• Masters of Engineering Skills
• Materials & Building Techniques
• Art & Decoration
Shall we revised…
• Roman Orders
• Temples
Shall we revised...
• City of Rome & Forum
• Public Buildings
Shall we revised...
Public Buildings