Roman Architecture

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
19th 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.