Maison carrée

Definition

The maison carrée is a well-preserved Roman temple located in Nîmes, France, exemplifying the classic temple architecture of the Roman Empire. This structure showcases the typical elements of Roman design, such as a rectangular floor plan, engaged columns, and a high podium, reflecting the cultural and architectural innovations of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The maison carrée was built during the reign of Augustus around 16-12 BCE and is dedicated to Gaius and Lucius Caesar, grandsons of Augustus.
2. This temple features a Corinthian colonnade, showcasing the intricate detailing typical of Roman architecture, which adds to its aesthetic appeal.
3. The structure's facade is adorned with a high-quality stone that highlights the Roman skill in quarrying and craftsmanship.
4. The maison carrée served as a model for later neoclassical buildings, influencing architects in Europe and the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries.
5. It has been remarkably well-preserved compared to other ancient Roman temples, allowing for detailed study and appreciation of Roman architectural techniques.

Review Questions

• How does the design of the maison carrée reflect key elements of Roman architectural principles?
  • The maison carrée embodies essential features of Roman architecture through its harmonious proportions, engaged columns, and elevated podium. Its rectangular shape is consistent with the Roman approach to temple design, emphasizing symmetry and grandeur. The use of Corinthian columns adds to its elegance while demonstrating the Romans' mastery of classical orders, all reflecting their commitment to aesthetics and engineering in architecture.
• Discuss the significance of the maison carrée in understanding Roman religious practices and social hierarchy.
  • The maison carrée served not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of political power and social hierarchy within Roman society. By dedicating the temple to his grandsons, Augustus reinforced his family's legacy and connected their divine status to religious practice. This illustrates how architecture was used strategically to convey authority and legitimize political rule through public monuments that reinforced societal values.
• Evaluate the impact of the maison carrée on later architectural movements, particularly neoclassicism.
  • The maison carrée's influence on neoclassical architecture is significant, as it served as an inspiration for numerous buildings during the 18th and 19th centuries. Its clear lines, classical proportions, and use of columns resonated with architects seeking to revive ancient styles. This revival highlighted a cultural shift back to classical ideals, demonstrating how Roman architecture continued to shape artistic expression and civic identity in modern Europe and America.

Related terms

Portico: An architectural feature consisting of a roof supported by columns at the entrance of a building.

Colonnade: A row of columns supporting a roof or entablature, often used in temple architecture to create an impressive entrance.

Templum: A Latin term for a sacred space or precinct, often associated with religious buildings in ancient Rome.