Roman Architecture: Introduction to the Roman Empire

Archaeology Of Roman Architecture

• Influences: Roman architecture was influenced by Greek, Etruscan, and Italian styles
• Characteristics:
  • Use of arches, domes, and vaults
  • Development of concrete (Opus caementicium)
  • Ornate decoration and sculpture
  • Grand scale and monumental architecture
• Types of buildings:
  • Temples (e.g., Pantheon)
  • Basilicas (e.g., Basilica of Maxentius)
  • Amphitheaters (e.g., Colosseum)
  • Theaters (e.g., Theater of Pompey)
  • Aqueducts (e.g., Pont du Gard)
  • Roads and bridges
• Building techniques:
  • Use of stone, brick, and concrete
  • Construction of foundations, walls, and roofs
  • Development of water supply systems

Roman Empire

• Timeline:
  • Founded in 27 BC by Augustus Caesar
  • Divided into Eastern (Byzantine) and Western Empires in 395 AD
  • Western Empire fell in 476 AD, Eastern Empire in 1453 AD
• Government:
  • Imperial system with emperors holding absolute power
  • Senate and assemblies played advisory roles
  • Provincial governors and administrators
• Provinces:
  • Divided into provinces, each governed by a Roman governor
  • Provinces were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and providing infrastructure
• Military:
  • Powerful and disciplined legions
  • Conquests and expansions throughout Europe, North Africa, and Middle East
  • Military engineering and infrastructure development
• Society and culture:
  • Hierarchical social structure with emperors, patricians, plebeians, and slaves
  • Developed system of laws and justice
  • Rich cultural heritage, including literature, art, and architecture

Archaeology Of Roman Architecture

• Roman architecture was influenced by Greek, Etruscan, and Italian styles
• Characterized by use of arches, domes, and vaults
• Development of concrete (Opus caementicium) enabled construction of larger structures
• Ornate decoration and sculpture were common features
• Grand scale and monumental architecture were distinctive of Roman style

Types of Roman Buildings

• Temples, such as the Pantheon, were built for religious worship
• Basilicas, like the Basilica of Maxentius, served as public meeting spaces
• Amphitheaters, including the Colosseum, hosted gladiatorial contests and public events
• Theaters, such as the Theater of Pompey, were built for entertainment
• Aqueducts, like the Pont du Gard, supplied water to cities and towns
• Roads and bridges facilitated transportation and communication

Roman Building Techniques

• Romans used stone, brick, and concrete in construction
• Foundations, walls, and roofs were built using advanced techniques
• Water supply systems were developed to support urban populations

Roman Empire

• Founded in 27 BC by Augustus Caesar, marking the end of the Roman Republic
• Divided into Eastern (Byzantine) and Western Empires in 395 AD
• Western Empire fell in 476 AD, while the Eastern Empire lasted until 1453 AD

Roman Government

• Imperial system granted emperors absolute power
• Senate and assemblies played advisory roles, but had limited authority
• Provincial governors and administrators were responsible for regional governance

Roman Provinces

• Empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a Roman governor
• Provinces were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and providing infrastructure

Roman Military

• Powerful and disciplined legions enabled Roman conquests
• Conquests and expansions occurred throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East
• Military engineering and infrastructure development supported Roman expansion

Roman Society and Culture

• Hierarchical social structure consisted of emperors, patricians, plebeians, and slaves
• Developed system of laws and justice maintained social order
• Rich cultural heritage included literature, art, and architecture

Roman Empire Origins

• Founded in 8th century BC by Romulus and Remus
• Legend has it that the twin brothers fought, and Romulus killed Remus, becoming the first ruler of Rome

Early Roman Expansion

• Expanded territories through the Italian peninsula
• Defeated the Etruscans and Latins, absorbing their cultures

Conquest of Italy

• Conquered the Apennine tribes and the Samnites by the 3rd century BC
• Gained control of central Italy
• Defeated the Greek colonies in southern Italy by the 2nd century BC
• Unified the entire Italian peninsula under Roman rule by the 1st century BC

Roman Government

• Rome was a republic
• Governed by the Senate, Assemblies, and Magistrates
• Senate advised the magistrates and governed Rome
• Assemblies elected magistrates and passed laws

Roman Provinces

• Empire divided into provinces
• Each province governed by a Roman governor and administrative staff
• Governors responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and upholding Roman law

The Roman Military

• Roman legions were the empire's military backbone
• Responsible for expansion and defense
• Legionaries were Roman citizens, trained for combat and civic duties

Roman Social Classes

• Patricians: Ruling class, wealthy landowners, and aristocrats
• Plebeians: Common people, including merchants, artisans, and farmers
• Slaves: Captives and prisoners of war, used for labor and domestic service

Roman Family and Marriage

• Paterfamilias: Male head of the household, with authority over family members
• Marriage was monogamous, with the husband as the dominant partner
• Women held limited rights, with some women holding power through family ties

Roman Religion

• Polytheism: Worshipped multiple gods and goddesses, with Jupiter as the chief deity
• Adopted cults from conquered territories, incorporating them into their pantheon
• Believed in an afterlife, with rewards or punishment based on earthly deeds