🏛️Roman Art Unit 2 – Roman Architecture

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Arch a curved structure that spans an opening and supports the weight above it
• Vault an arched structure forming a ceiling or roof
  • Barrel vault a continuous semi-cylindrical vault
  • Groin vault formed by the intersection of two barrel vaults
• Dome a rounded vault forming the roof of a building or structure
• Orders standardized systems for designing and decorating columns and entablatures
  • Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Composite
• Entablature the upper part of a classical building supported by columns
• Pediment a triangular gable found above the entrance to a building
• Atrium a central courtyard or hall in a Roman house
• Basilica a large public building used for various purposes (law courts, public assemblies)

Historical Context and Timeline

• Roman architecture developed from Etruscan and Greek influences starting in the 8th century BCE
• The Roman Republic (509-27 BCE) saw the development of iconic structures like the Circus Maximus and Ponte Rotto
• During the Roman Empire (27 BCE-476 CE), architecture reached its peak with grand public buildings, infrastructure projects, and luxurious private residences
• The Pax Romana (27 BCE-180 CE) was a period of relative peace and prosperity that allowed for significant architectural advancements
• The tetrarchy system (293-313 CE) led to the construction of multiple imperial residences and administrative centers throughout the empire
• The adoption of Christianity as the state religion in 380 CE influenced the design of religious buildings, such as the Old St. Peter's Basilica
• The fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE marked the end of the classical period, but Roman architectural principles continued to influence later styles

Architectural Styles and Orders

• Roman architecture synthesized elements from Greek and Etruscan styles while introducing new forms and techniques
• The Tuscan order, a simplified version of the Doric order, was the only truly Roman order
• The Doric order, characterized by its simple capital and triglyph-metope frieze, was used in temples and public buildings
• The Ionic order, with its scrolled capitals and continuous frieze, was popular for temples and public structures
• The Corinthian order, featuring elaborate capitals with acanthus leaves, became the most favored order in the Roman Empire
• The Composite order, combining elements of the Ionic and Corinthian orders, was developed during the Roman Imperial period
• Roman architects adapted Greek orders to suit their needs, such as using engaged columns and combining different orders in a single structure
• The use of arches, vaults, and domes allowed for greater flexibility in design and the creation of vast interior spaces

Famous Roman Structures

• The Colosseum (70-80 CE) an amphitheater that could seat up to 50,000 spectators
• The Pantheon (113-125 CE) a temple dedicated to all gods, featuring a massive concrete dome
• The Baths of Caracalla (212-216 CE) a vast public bath complex with libraries, gardens, and sports facilities
• The Pont du Gard (19 BCE) an aqueduct bridge that supplied water to the city of Nîmes
• The Maison Carrée (16 BCE) a well-preserved temple in Nîmes showcasing the Corinthian order
• The Arch of Constantine (315 CE) a triumphal arch commemorating Constantine's victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge
• Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli (2nd century CE) an extensive complex of buildings, gardens, and pools demonstrating Roman luxury and innovation

Building Materials and Techniques

• The Romans perfected the use of concrete (opus caementicium), enabling them to construct large, durable structures
• Brick and stone were used for facing concrete walls, creating a visually appealing and weather-resistant exterior
• Marble was used for decorative elements, such as column capitals, friezes, and wall veneers
• Mosaics, made of small tesserae, were used to decorate floors and walls with intricate patterns and scenes
• The Romans employed sophisticated surveying and engineering techniques to ensure proper alignment and structural integrity
• The use of wooden formwork and scaffolding allowed for the construction of complex shapes and large-scale structures
• Innovations in heating systems, such as hypocaust underfloor heating, provided comfort in public baths and private residences

Engineering Innovations

• The arch and vault allowed for the creation of large, open interior spaces without the need for dense columns
• The development of concrete enabled the construction of strong, fire-resistant structures with complex shapes
• The dome, perfected in the Pantheon, demonstrated the Romans' mastery of concrete and their ability to span vast spaces
• Aqueducts, such as the Pont du Gard, used gravity to transport water over long distances to supply cities and towns
• Sewage systems, like the Cloaca Maxima in Rome, improved sanitation and public health
• Bridges, such as the Pons Aemilius, showcased Roman engineering prowess and facilitated transportation and trade
• Harbors, like the one at Ostia, featured advanced hydraulic concrete that could set underwater, enabling the construction of extensive port facilities

Cultural and Social Significance

• Roman architecture reflected the empire's power, wealth, and organizational abilities
• Public buildings, such as basilicas and baths, served as gathering places and symbols of civic pride
• Triumphal arches and victory columns celebrated military successes and reinforced imperial authority
• Amphitheaters and circuses provided entertainment for the masses, helping to maintain social order and political stability
• Temples and religious structures demonstrated the Romans' respect for the gods and their incorporation of diverse religious traditions
• Private residences, such as the House of the Vettii in Pompeii, showcased the wealth and status of the elite while providing a glimpse into daily life
• The standardization of architectural styles and techniques throughout the empire helped to create a sense of unity and shared identity

Legacy and Influence on Later Architecture

• Roman architectural principles and styles influenced the development of Romanesque and Gothic architecture in medieval Europe
• The Renaissance saw a revival of interest in classical Roman forms, as seen in the works of architects like Brunelleschi and Palladio
• Neoclassical architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries drew heavily on Roman models, such as the use of orders and symmetrical façades
• The Beaux-Arts style, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, incorporated Roman features like arches, vaults, and ornate decorations
• Modern architects, such as Albert Speer and Robert Venturi, have referenced Roman architecture in their designs, either as a symbol of power or as a postmodern critique
• The enduring legacy of Roman engineering can be seen in the use of concrete and the construction of large-scale infrastructure projects
• The influence of Roman urban planning, with its emphasis on public spaces and monumental buildings, can still be observed in cities around the world