Roman Architecture Overview

Study Notes

Roman architecture is characterized by innovative construction techniques, materials, and creative designs leading to iconic structures.
Marble is the primary building material, distinct from Greek architecture.

Italy's strategic location in the Mediterranean facilitated the spread of art and civilization across Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.
Local materials available around Rome include:
- Travertine: hard limestone
- Tufa: volcanic material
- White marble: used for interiors and exteriors
- Pozzolana: a sandy earth mixed with lime to produce strong concrete.

Numerous city-states existed on the Italian peninsula, with Rome emerging as the most powerful.
Rome eventually conquered all of Italy, forming one of history’s greatest empires.
Rome's geographical position allowed it to dominate the northern Mediterranean.
The Romans were not a seafaring people.

Architectural evolution is seen in two distinct periods:
- Etruscan: influenced by early inhabitants of Central Italy.
- Roman: characterized by a constitutional republic and governance over provinces, with Latin as the official language.

The Etruscans introduced the Arcuated System which featured:
- Semi-circular radiating arches.
- The Tuscan column.
- Atrium-style homes.
Etruscan architecture remains include tombs, city walls, gateways, temples, bridges, and aqueducts.

Romans combined Greek styles with unique innovations, developing arches, vaults, and domes.
Roman society transformed from small farmers to a heavily urbanized population, driven by wealth and high population density.
Political propaganda influenced architectural designs, serving both aesthetic and public functions.

Vastness and magnificence define Roman architecture, highlighting ostentatious displays of wealth.
The combination ofTrabeated and Arcuated systems (columns, beams, arches) established new construction styles.

Variations of vaults developed include:
- Tunnel vault: continuous over two parallel walls.
- Wagon vault: intersects with another vault.
- Hemispherical dome: used in circular buildings.
- Cross vault: formed by the intersection of two equal semi-circular vaults.

Roman architecture employed Greek orders of columns, including:
- Tuscan Order: a simplified Doric style.
- Composite Order: the most decorative column type.

Forum: A central gathering space similar to the Greek Agora, surrounded by halls, offices, and shops.
- The Roman Forum is a rectangular plaza, while Imperial forums were monumental public squares initiated by Julius Caesar.
Religious Architecture:
- Temples played a vital role, exemplified by the Temple of Vesta, the most sacred shrine in Rome.
- Basilicas served as halls of justice, with the Basilica of Constantine and Maxentius being a prominent example.