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 Caree @ 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 Caree @ 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
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.