THE ROMAN EMPIRE Vespasian (69-79) and his two sons Titus (79-81) and Domitian (81- characterized

is two sons Titus (79-81) and Domitian (81- characterized most in his gravitas or dignity. The Roman was the 1. Chemtou 7. Porta Santa in which both are converted into a third substance. This
I. The Might of the Roman Empire 96). During the 3rd century, the Roman Empire grew so extensively. model of the upright, unsentimental maker of things, mover of events, 2. Chios 8. Proconnesus cement/concrete is capable of setting even under water.
Origins of Rome: The primary motive for the establishment and ever mindful of the importance of established forms, firmly attached 3. Flfia 9. Pyrenean Types of Finishing Materials
expansion of an empire is the need for raw materials, exerting Crisis of the Third Century: During this crisis, not one single Emperor to reality. 4. Lesbian 10. Rosso Antico a. Plaster for walls and ceilings (Scagliola: a special type mixed with
economic influence or exerting military influence. The means for died of natural causes. Revolts sprung up in virtually all of the 5. Parian 11. Thesian glue to create an imitation marble surface to a brick or concrete core)
initiating an empire are military and economic power, and the provinces and ambitious men struggled for power. During the crisis, D. Administrative 6. Pentellic b. Paints for any applicable use
Romans possessed both. there were civil wars, street fights between the citizens of Rome and Resources and Infrastructure: The vast Roman empire required Signature Color of Marble Two Special Paint Colors
soldiers of the Imperial guard, fierce foreign enemies, plagues, administrative tactic which are efficient, fast and standardized. This a. yellow veined f. red-blue 1. Blue: underwent a complicated process inv sand, potassium nitrate
Pre-Roman (Formation of Rome): Roman tradition claimed that famines, fire and earthquakes. required large engineering projects including the road networks b. grey-blue g. violet and powdered copper
Rome had been under the control of seven kings from 753 to 509 BC connecting major Roman cities and aqueducts which supplied water c. white-yellow veined h. red 2. Purple (Royalty): obtained from the sea mollusk, and only those from
beginning with the mythic Romulus who along with his brother Remus The Late Empire: The Roman Empire, because of its extensive size, to all Roman cities, a basic resource for civilization to flourish. The d, white i. green the island of Rhodes due to its location relative to the sun
were said to have founded the city of Rome. Whether it was underwent crisis. In 286 CE, Diocletian divided the empire into West Roman law instituted justice order and governance to all the colonies. e. bright white
legendary or not, no extant artifact could testify the Pre-Roman and East halves. Rome was still the center of the Western empire. Stone-cutting tools B. Building Construction Methods
government. The communities that would be Rome settled in a plain But Constantine moved the capital to Byzantium, renaming it as Military (The Roman War Machine): The Roman Empire, created by a. cutting hammer (bladed) e. punch Concrete Construction: Preparing a foundation is the initial step.
called Latium. Latium was a small triangle of fertile, volcanic soil on Constantinople. Constantine made Christianity as its official state war, was also maintained by constant military campaigns. An b. scabbling hammer (pointed) f. chisel Roman structural remains have identified a fairly standard type of
which resided the tribe of the Latins. These tribes were numerous religion. Many still disputes whether Constantine’s decision was exceptional administrative system and a dense network of c. stone mason’s hammer (ax) g. saw masonry foundation which consisted of large stone rubble, with
Italic-speaking communities who engaged in farming and prompted by the need to save the declining empire or from true transportation and supply routed linked distant provinces and d. mallet h. square mortar to a depth of about three feet. Roman concrete construction
shepherding during the first millennium BC. Geographically, there are religious conversion. Rome fell from threats by warrior peoples of the sustained long-range military operations. Organization was key to the Wood: Wood is a common and essential material of construction. The was identified acc to its facing.
seven hills which served as Pre-Rome communities located on the East and North. Its own society was racked by corruption and army’s many successes. The main unit was a legion of 4,000 to use of wood by the Romans was expanded over that of the Greeks Methods of Roman Concrete Construction
site which will become Rome as it is historically. Whether the legend decadence. In 476 CE, Odoacer, a Germanic chieftain, once a 6,000 infantry or legionnaires, divided into 10 cohorts. Each cohort by wider application of use of the truss. The truss, one example of 1. Opus incertum (uncertain work): earliest facing type; consisted of
of the seven kings is accurate could never be confirmed. Roman soldier, deposed the last Roman Emperor, Romulus consisted of several units, called centuries, with 80 to 100 men led by wood construction, provided for an additional statement of empire irregular, all-purpose stones probably gathered in the area of the
1. Quirina Hill (Collis Quirinalis) Augustus. During the 6th century, Gothic wars were fought between a centurion. The whole legion attacks in three lines, with the youngest due to the type of building it produced. Pliny, writer born in the first building site; needs the laborer to be a craftsman as well, since the
2. Viminal Hill (Collis Viminalis) the Eastern Roman Empire and the Ostrogothic Kingdom of Italy from legionnaires in the front rank and the most experienced in the rear. century, provided additional evidence of the use of wood by fitting together of random stones required skill and good judgment; no
3. Esquiline Hill (Collis Esquilinus) 535-554 in Italy, Dalmatia, Sardinia, Sicily and Corsica. The Gothic Roman forces also routinely built road, bridges, and defensive walls identifying the Roman inventor of woodworking, Daedalus. He rule can be applied; brought by the economic and population growth
4. Capitoline Hill (Collis Capitolinus) war had its roots in the ambition of Roman Emperor Justinian to and aqueducts. credited Daedalus with the invention of several woodworking tools: of the Republic from around 50-20BC with its need for production od
5. Palatine Hill (Collis Palatinus) recover the provinces of the former Wester Roman Empire, which the saw, axe, plumb-line and glue. prefabricated components like standardized stones and later bricks;
6. Caelian Hill (Collis Caelius) had been lost to invading barbarian tribes in the previous century (the E. Colonial Varieties of Timber/Wood declined during the 1st century BC
7. Aventine Hill (Collis Aventinus) Migration Period). The Eastern Empire was to live on in the east for Empires and Major Cities (The Roman Benefits): Rome conquered 1. Oak 4. Cypress 2. Opus reticulatum (net work): standardized stones (3.5” to 4”) and
Two excavations were found to confirm the existence of these many centuries although it was significantly reduced in size. This territory through military force, but the secret of its empire building as 2. Elm 5. Fir were laid on diagonal; easier for the laborer; focused on preparing
Italic0speaking communities: Rumi (at Palatine Hill) and Titientes (at medieval stage of the Roman Empire is referred to as the Byzantine to rule its provinces with a tolerant hand. Roman administration 3. Poplar 6. Alder the mortar and laying stones than searching and selecting stones.
Quirinal Hill). These Italic-speaking communities residing in the Empire. allowed local customs, including religious practices to survive. The Fir is a light wood that resists bending and is desirable for use as 3. Opus testaceum (brick work): began during the latter part of the 1st
Latium were the: provinces paid large taxes but enjoyed the economic advantages of joists (parallel beams supporting a floor). Oak, a light structure, was century AD but no specific date as to when it was introduced to
1. Latins (in the west) II. The Roman Society trade with Rome. Two factors were contributory to a less resistance desirable for use where the wood must be buried in the ground or Rome.
2. Sabines (in the upper valley of the Tiber) A. Religious and Philosophical and acceptance of Roman colonies: possibly used as piers. Pine and cypress are recognized for their The method employed a fill of concrete between walls with facings of
3. Umbrians (in the north-east) The Spirit of the Gods: We, Romans, owe our supremacy to our 1. Roman citizenship offered to loyal local citizens resins. Cedar and juniper are recognized for their oils. the three types mentioned above. Walls were about two to three feet
4. Samnites (in the south) wisdom in believing that the spirit of the gods rules and directs 2. Building of miniature Romes throughout the thick.
5. Oscans everything – Cicero. Romans filled their world with gods from the empire including temples, forums, theaters, baths, Glass: Glass was an ancillary construction material for the Romans,
6. Other Tribes Greeks and other foreign cultures. The official state religion involved etc. not absolutely required for building the structure. The use of glass
In the 8th Century BC, these Italic-speaking tribes shared the formal practices, including monthly festivals and sacrifices. Rituals Living as a Roman citizen, meant living an ostentatiously practical until the late first century AD was mostly for vessels and art. The
peninsula with two other major ethic groups: Etruscans (in the North) were a part of Roman religious thought. The Romans particularly life, which meant a balance of a healthy mind in a healthy body. introduction of glass for window glazing was a fundamental shift in
and Greeks (in the South). The Etruscans and Greeks heavily revered Vesta, the goddess of hearth and Vestal Virgins guarded her Security from invasions, access to resources through trade, access to the concept of the window. It provided the Romans with an additional
influenced the formation of what Rome will become. The Etruscans fame day and night in a temple prominently situated in the Forum. basic necessity such as water, entertainment, architecture, lifestyle building material and architectural feature as an aesthetic statement
dominated the tribes in a monarchy that exerted war, fortress Romans also cared deeply about their household gods, some was all proliferated through all the Roman colonies. of an empire.
engineering and hording of resources. There are two lenses from representing the spirits of ancestors and worshipped them daily at a
which to view the Etruscan influence on Rome: household shrine. Cults arouse in later years. Some worshipping III. The Roman Genius in Building Brick: Brick and Concrete provided mass-produced, quickly-
a. The Etruscans, because of the ruthless monarchy, living emperors as gods, but some turned to foreign deities such as A. Building Materials assembled and uniform building materials. Baked clay, found to be
created the environment for the creation of the the Egyptian goddess Isis. A god with Persian roots, Mithras, who The choice of building materials was greatly attributed to the impervious to water, was used up to the first century BC in Rome for
Roman Republic in 509 BC. represented life after death, became a favorite of the Roman soldiers. geographical location of the Roman empire. The materials used were roof tiles to provide protection for timbers and masonry work.
b. The Etruscans, including their war-like character not imported but are available within close proximity to the city of Standard Size of Bricks
and skill in engineering became a source of the B. Artistic Rome and generally to all the parts of the Empire. a. Lydium (11.65’ x 5.8”)
Roman military force and building ability After the Greeks: The arts were an everyday feature of life in ancient Types of Materials b. Tetradoron (11.65” x 11.65”): four hands
The Greeks, on the other hand, already an established society, Rome. Romans decorated their interior spaces extensively with tiles, 1. Naturally-occurring materials c. Pentadoron (14.5” x 14.5”): five hands, most
became a source of knowledge and development for the arts, mosaics and frescoes. Music was a constant companion, and a. stone useful in the construction of large buildings and city
religion, philosophy, architecture and other components of the musicians play the kithara (harp), fluted, drums, and cymbals b. wood/timber walls Arch & Vault: The Romans did not invent the arch but they made
Roman empire. everywhere. In both sculpture and literature, the Romans borrowed c. marble Manufacturing Process of Bricks significant use of it as a method of construction. The Roman Arch is
extensively from the Greeks. Roman sculptors routinely reproduced 2. Manufactured materials a. Unbaked bricks = clay/mud + water + hardening agent (straw, made up of concrete that could support huge amount of weight.
The Republican Period: The republic is a government headed by two the works of their Greek predecessors. In fact, many of the finest a. brick cereal chaff, dried grass and other vegetable matter); placed into Roman Arch
consuls, elected annually by the citizens and advised by a senate. A surviving examples of Greek sculpture are copies made in Roman b. glass prepared molds and is allowed to dry (drying is done during autumn
 Centering: wooden farm used as a temporary support in building an
complex constitution gradually developed centered on the principles times. 3. Composite materials and spring only
arch or dome
of a separation of powers and checks and balances. Roman society a. concrete b. Baked bricks = clay + hardening agent (sand); fired in kilns with
 Round arch: half a circle
was divided into two classes: Patricians (aristocrats) and Plebians Apart from the Greeks: Despite the heavy Hellenistic influence to Stone: Stone supply was gathered locally and some quarried temperatures ranging from 840F at the exit to 1470F in the main firing
(commoners). The next 250 years was marked by expansion of the Roman art, there is certainly an independent architecture (regarded depending on availability. Stone served the Empire as a basic chamber  Voussoirs: wedge-shaped stones used to make an arch
Roman Empire into the Italian peninsula and eventually, the entire as one of the seven arts). The Romans excelled in the development construction material. Roman builders employed the use of several  Keystone: central wedge-shaped stone that forces voussoirs together
Mediterranean. In 264-164BC, Rome fights a series of three wars, of the interior space on a large scale. Amongst others, the Romans varieties of stone, each valuable for certain qualities: strength, Concrete: Concrete provided the Romans with a means for producing  Pier: vertical support of the arch
known as the Punic wars, against Carthage (the first great imperial perfectly integrated the axis and center in architectural form. durability and aesthetics. a variety of structures with strength, flexibility of design and in certain  Arcade: row of arches
opponent of Rome). Carthage date back to the Phoenicians, who Kinds of Stone formulas, provided unique capabilities. Concrete could be formulated
were a people in the Middle East inhabiting Phoenicia, the region C. Political 1. Travertine (sedimentary stone) repeatedly and uniformly. Employing skilled workers, concrete
today known as Lebanon. After a period of turmoil, including clashes Class and Society: There were two main groups in the Roman 2. Tufa (igneous stone) provided the Romans a versatile, practical material for expanding the
between rivals, Julius Cesar emerged. Returning from campaigns in society, the Patrician (upper classmen) and the Plebians (common 3. Granite (igneous stone) empire.
Gaul, this general seized control and set in motion the downfall of the folk). Patricians are wealthy and politically powerful; most 4. Marble (metamorphic stone) Ingredients of Concrete
republic. In 44BC, Julius Cesar is assassinated after five years of government positions and high military ranks belong to them. The two Travertine is very hard and has the capacity to carry heavy loads due a. Sand: can be black, white, light and dark red; should not contain
dictatorship. consuls who led the Republic are patricians as well as the senate to its inherent compression strength. It has a creamy texture with a any earth mixed in; excavated from newly opened beds (open beds
who advice the consuls. Roman society was stratified, but even lightly pitted surface and was used structurally and also decoratively can have sands contaminated with earth while seashore beds
The Early Empire: In 24 BCE, Octavian, the grandnephew of Julius plebians could rise to high positions through military service or in one for facades of buildings such as theaters and amphitheaters. Tufa produce hard-to-dry sand, therefore is not recommended)
Cesar, becomes Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. Augustus built of the several trade guilds. Free women’s power was limited to family was used primarily for interior construction, such as platforms for b, Lime Mortar: obtained by burning limestone then slaked and mixed
extensively in Rome, as its population grew up to 3.5 million in 27 management. The smallest social unit was the Roman family, and is temples. Because it was not a hard stone, tufa was easily cut and with sand; Vitruvius recommended three parts of sand to one part of
BCE. In 64 CE, the Great Fire during the Rule of Emperor Nero characterized by strong family ties. At the same time, a collective was good when used in covered places but was unsuitable for lime
happened. In 69-96 CE marks the Rule of the Flavian dynasty and idea of a common good was also embedded into the citizens largely exterior uses as it was quickly eroded by frost and rain. Extensive c. Volcanic silica (aka Pozzolana): most effective and useful; name
the building of the Coloseum (aka Flavian Ampitheater). The Flavian directed to rigid success rather than democracy. Rome, being a use of marble was introduced during the reign of Augustus. It was came from the town Pozzouli, near Naples
dynasty was a Roman Imperial Dynasty which ruled the Roman republic, means being ruled by a majority or group of learned men. highly valued and primarily used for decorated elements (such as the Vitruvius: If lime and pozzolana are mixed in the proper proportions,
Empire between 69 and 96 CE, encompassing the reigns of Democracy, by the Greeks on the other hand, is the rule of the “capitals” of a column), or for facings. the form a substance known as hydraulic cement. The process of
majority (regardless of character and personal state). A Roman is Types of Marbles setting is due, not exclusively to evaporation, but to a chemical action
The Roman arch also caused the Romans themselves to make ancient times is the Pantheon, the temples for all gods. The was spent on horse and riders. Charioteers were the equivalent of Religious Condition: Christianity has its roots on the Jewish teaching. • Domes – made of bricks, stone, concrete
further architectural developments. They combined arches to form Pantheon was built in two different periods. The first as an open modern celebrities and they were paid handsomely. Design was Centered on the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. Contradicted Roman • Simple Dome – pendentives and domes were part
ceiling or roofs called vaults. The Romans also used the principles to space by Agrippa, the son-in-law of Augustus, and was completed in simple as banks of seats around the track were constructed by use of paganism. In 313 AD, Roman Emperor Constantine and Licinius of the same sphere
form a hemispherical ceiling or roof called a dome. 25BC. The famous rotunda was added by Hadrian between AD118 vaulted concrete, necessary due to the level site. It is a long straight Augustus declared religious tolerance in the Edict of Milan. Roman • Compound dome – gives greater height. Dome
Types of Vault and 125. lane on each side of a divider called a spina, provided the racing Emperor Constantine officially recognized Christianity as the state ceased to be part of the same sphere as the
a. Barrel or Tunnel vault: arched roof made by a continuous row of circuit. religion of Rome in 326 AD pendentive, but rose independently above them
arches forming a passageway; requires buttressing to counteract the Temple Complexes: A combination of a temple and a statue Elements of the Circus 3rd Century: Emperor Constantine decided to move the capital of the • Melon/onion domes – a bulbous dome. Common in
downward thrust of weight designed to emanate a theater-like visual movement. The most 1. Spina Roman empire from Rome to Byzantine (Constantinople) Russia to ward off heavy snow
b. Groin or Cross vault: structure framed by arches set at right angles important example is the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia, in 2. Carceres 1st Christian Architecture: Very modest. Served two purposes: space
c. Multi-Groin Vault: framed a series of arches set at right angles. Praeneste built by Sulla. Dwellings for spiritual needs of the living, and burial space for the dead.
Types of Residences
Basilicas: Basilicas were halls of justice and commercial market 1. Domus: private home (Etruscans and Greeks Titilus – house church. Most of these houses were developed into
places and were a place of high importance in Rome. The large features) churches. Reused/copied a Roman building type which can house
interior hall was flanked by aisles with galleries above the aisles. For 2. Villa: country house public gatherings (basilica)
law purposes, the court officials sat upon a raised dais in a semi- 3. Imperial palace: contained public halls, a throne
circular apse (a circular extension of the rectangular hall). The roof of room, bathrooms, courtyards, and colonnaded
the basilica was trussed, rather than a dome, but still covered the gardens
large expanse of the hall due to the Roman knowledge of truss 4. Insula: many-storied tenement housing
construction. The Greeks had begun to timidly employ the concept of Basic Elements of the Roman House • Pendentive – triangular curved overhanging surface by means of
The arch and vault were extensively used in these structures
the truss, but the Romans were able to use it more effectively. 1. Compluvium – opening at the roof which a circular dome is supported over a square polygonal
1. Coliseum
2. Atrium – entrance court open to the sky compartment.
2. Race Track – Circus Maximus
Baths: “A healthy mind in a healthy body” – Juvenal. Thermae: 3. Impluvium – water cistern • Key to the dome over a square or octagonal base
3. Public Baths
palatial public bath. Balneum: private bath for family. 4. Tablinum – open saloon, place where statues of Catacombs – burial places in early Christian architecture. Means • Early examples appeared in Asia Minor, in the east
4. Amphitheaters
Elements of Roman Thermae gods and family members are placed “dormitory” in Latin. Burial was provided in individual “shelf” tombs or • Byzantines developed and used it on a grand scale
1. Main Building 5. Peristyle – inner colonnaded court (open) private family chambers. Located beneath churches. Columns: used constructively, early times columns were taken from
a. Tepidarium: warm lounge 6. Cubicula – bedrooms ancient buildings
b. Calidarium: hot water bath 7. Triclina – Dining room • Capitals – Roman Ionic, Corinthian and Composite
c. Sudotorium: hottest water bath 8. Oecus – reception room types were sometimes used. New form: Cubiform
d. Frigidarium: cooling room w piscana (swimming bath) 9. Alae – reception for conversation and cushion type capitals
e. Unctoria: perfume and oil room 10. Kitchen and Pantry • Cushion capital – a cubiform capital, the angles
f. Adodyteria: changing rooms Parts of Villas being progressively rounded off towards the lowest
g. Natatiol piscana: swimming pool 1. Villa Urbana: part of the villa where the rich parts
2. Xystus: large open space with landscaping; stadium for owners live • Dosseret Block, Super Abacus – a deep block
various types of athletic sports 2. Villa Rustica: part of the villa where the managers sometimes placed above a Byzantine capital to
Open-air Cemetery support the wide voussoirs of the arch above.
3. Outer Ring of Apartments: lecture room, exedrae, stores, and laborers live
 Vatican Hill: Modest monument of the late second century; Carved with incised foliage of sharp outline
housing for slaves or staff 3. Villa Fructuria: part of the villa for storage of
Said to have marked the grave of St. Peter; Now occupied by and showed skillful craftsmanship.
4. Hypocaust: furnace products from the farm.
the church of St. Peter
Site for Construction of Bath: facing away from north and northwest
winds, so that the calidarium (hot room) and tepidarium (warm room) Bridges: allowed to move armies and products across rivers. The Ornaments: extensive use of mosaics and frescoes
C. Types of Structures BYZANTINE ARCHITECTURE Symbolic figures
will have light from the west in winter. earliest bridges were constructed of wood, but are only confirmed by
A wide range of buildings was required by Rome to advance the Byzantine Period: Emerged a strong empire during the time of • Group of saints
Configuration of Baths: Men’s and women’s calidaria be connected pictorial representation on Trajan’s Column and on a mosaic Ostia.
Empire and to maintain it: Justinian (527-565). Eastern empire: Eastern Church entered a union • Peacock – immortal life
and in the same area so a common furnace (hypocaust) can be Most difficult part of construction were the foundation and the piers.
a. Domiciles or residences with the secular power of the emperor. • Endless knot – eternity
shared. Roman baths are arranged with a central hall with the In areas where there were dry seasons, the foundation and piers
b. Commercial buildings and markets caldaria room, tepidaria room, and frigidarium attached. Special could be constructed during this time. In areas where water flowed • Monogram of Christ
c. Facilities for entertainment and recreation Byzantine architecture: accelerated the longitudinal layout of the plan; Pavements
feature includes a suspended floor which allows heat to be circulated continuously, cofferdams were used. The arch provided a critical
d. Government buildings Expanded the central layout • Opus Sectile – Any mosaic of regularly cut material
underneath to regulate the temperature of the floor. construction and architectural element in the design and construction
e. Treasuries Importance of Roman Baths: display the customs and style of living of the bridges. Characteristic of Byzantine Architecture • Opus Alexandrinum – a form of sectile having a geometric pattern
f. Temples • Masonry construction formed with a few colors, as black and white or dark green and red.
of a pleasure-loving people. A place for social life, news, gossip, Aqueducts – bridge over water
g. Bridges • Round arches
lectures and games (board games, exercise, games with balls). To Viaducts – bridges over land.
h. Aqueducts • Shallow domes carried on Pendentive
generate pleasure and enjoyment for the citizens who could Aqueducts: A total of 781 miles of aqueduct built in every province of
i. Jails • Extensive use of Frescoes
participate and envy for those who could not. the Empire except England. Specus - water channel of the covered
Forum: The forum was a central open space used as a meeting • Colored Glass Mosaics
canal of the aqueduct
place, market or gathering place for political discussion or • Marble reverments to cove whole interiors
demonstration, a central city location critical for communicating ideas Plans:
and news. The forum was comprised of several public buildings that • Greek cross form
included markets, courts, jails and government facilities. Size built • Absence of bell towers
based on the population. As the empire grew, successive emperors • Grouping of subsidiary domes around a central
had forums built, not only for the greater need for additional civic nave, thus giving the dome a vertical impression
space, but also as monuments to themselves. Julius Caesar (prior to Walls
the Empire) added the first, then Emperors Augustus, Vespasian, • Constructed of Brick – internally encrusted with rich colored marbles
Nerva and Trajan. and shining glass. Rich application of mosaics and frescoes. No
Three Types of Watercourses (delivery of water)
moldings and sculpted ornaments
Theaters: With basic needs provided, the populace in Roman 1. In open canals with masonry channels
Temples: The temple was a place for personal vows, ritual • External walls – plain and depended largely for effect on the brilliant
colonies was allowed to turn its attention to non-essential activities. 2. Piping of lead pipes
ceremonies for gods and cults and for advertising state acts, deeds oriental sunshine which clothed them, with a garment of glowing color
The theater was a means of entertainment rather than pleasure, but 3. Trenching of terracotta tubing
and documents. The temple provided a means of informing the public façade
were also luxury experienced by the Romans. Roman theaters were
of what was going on in government, the military and other official • Facades – alternate layers or bands of brick and stone
adopted from the Greeks and were limited to a semicircle. They were Commemorative Structures:
organizations. Additionally, and most importantly for their role in usually on the side of a hill to allow the stepped seating to be Types of Commemorative Structures
empire, the temple was a symbol of authority and “worthy of kings Openings
arranged and constructed with some ease. Where an appropriate 1. Memorial Columns
and men and the might of Rome”. Roman temples were rectangular • Arcades – semicircular arches, employed to support galleries
hillside was not available, the theater was constructed using concrete 2. Triumphal Arches
and circular. Rectangular temples were built in the style of the Greeks • Doors – spanned by semicircular arches
vaulting supporting the tiers of seats. Tombs
with a podium, portico and colonnade design. Greek temples were • Windows – arranged in tiers, encircling ring of windows at the base
Types of Tombs
normally twice as long as they were wide, but Roman temples were of the dome or in the drum, chief source of light in the church
Amphitheaters: The modern interpretation of amphitheater is a 1. Coemeteria/Cemeteria: subterranean vaults
shorter in proportion. semicircular outdoor facility; while to the Romans, it was just known 2. Monumental tombs: consists of large blocks often on a
Notable Rectangular Temples as the “theater”. The Roman amphitheater was what we now refer as quadrangular podium topped with conical crown of earth and stone
1. Temple of Diana, Nimes a stadium or arena (Latin word meaning sand, which absorbed blood 3. Pyramidal tombs: influence of conquest of Egyptian lands
2. Temple of Venus, Rome from the combatants). The amphitheater was a uniquely Roman 4. Temple-shaped tombs: mortuary chapel with peristyle and podium
3. Temple of Antonius and Faustina, Rome invention for which they apparently did not rely upon Greek influence were the sepulchral vault is placed
4. Temple of Saturn, Rome or design. Elliptical in shape, the amphitheater was built with rising 5. Sculpted tombs: decorated free-standing tall structures
5. Temple of Jupiter, Baalbek tiers of seats making a continuous auditorium around a central arena. 6. Cenoptaph: monuments erected in memory of a person buried
6. Temple of Bacchus, Baalbek elsewhere
The Romans also built circular temples, the most sacred of which Circuses: Roman circus was built to accommodate horse and chariot EARLY CHRISTIAN ARCHITECTURE
was the Temple of Vesta, Rome. The best-preserved building of racing. Chariot racing was very popular in Rome and much money Roofs
 10. Temple of Castor and Pollux, Rome, 7 BC – AD 6
11. Maison Carree, Nimes, constructed in 16 BC
12. Temple of Vesta, Rome

13. Temple of Fortuna Virilis

The temple stood by the Portus Tiberinus in Roman times. The temple was
VI. Examples of Roman Building dedicated to the god Portumnus, protector of harbors and sea trade. In 872, it was
1. Forum Romanum turned into a
Most important in Rome and is located in the valley between the “hills” of Rome. It Christian church.
was an all-purpose forum, not built perfectly rectangular 19. Bath at Caracalla
25. Private Residence at Pompeii, House of Pansa
5. Forum of Nerva
The Forum “of Nerva” was in fact almost completed by Domitian. After he died, his
name and works were expunged (damnatio memoria) and Nerva got the credit.
Space was so scarce, so Domitian built the forum along the narrow pre-existing
road between the Fora of Augustus and Vespasian (Forum of Peace). The road
was still in use after the Forum of Nerva was inaugurated so the forum was
popularly known as the “Forum Transitorium”. It is a long and narrow space, at
whose end stands the temple to Minerva.
20. Bath of Diocletian
26. Roman Apartment House (Insula)

6. Forum of Vespasian
Vespasian (the same emperor that initiated the Colosseum) continued the
expansion of the Rome forums that had been started by Caesar and Augustus.
Between these forums there was a large space where the Via dell Argileto stool.
His “Forum of Peace” celebrated the pacification of the east. Vespasian deposited 14. Temple of the Sibyl, Tivoli
2. Imperial Fora in Rome his and Titus’ trophies here instead of in the temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill. This building had the shape of the traditional round peasant huts in the Roman
countryside. Later on, it was redesigned in stone, under the influence of Greek 21. Theater Orange, Orange, France 27. Bridge of Augustus, Rimini
The temple of peace housed the treasures that were looted after the conquest of
Jerusalem. It had a rectangular plan with an aps, preceded by an altar, a hexastyle structures of the tholos type, and thus became the model for the round temples of
pronaos aligned on the axis of the portico and articulated in two rows of columns late Republican times.
with the temple of peace as visual focus.
15. Pantheon, Rome

22. Theater of Marcellus in Rome 28. Trajan’s Column

16. Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia, Praeneste

7. Forum of Trajan
It is the largest of all the forums in Rome, as big as all the other forums together.
The complex was built to celebrate the victory of Trajan over the Dacians, a town in
Romania. The majesty of the complex is due to the need to demonstrate the power
of Trajan, born in Spain, who needed to be accepted as the heart of Roman
3. Forum of Caesar citizens.
It was a large open rectangle, with porticos on three sides, a Temple to Venus
Genetrix centered on its rear side, with arches beside it. Venus Genetrix was the 29. Arch of Titus, Rome
mother of Aeneas (the ancestor of the Julian family) in classical mythology.

Trajan’s Market is thought to be the world's oldest shopping mall, the arcades in
Trajan's Market are now believed by many to be administrative offices for Emperor
30. Arch of Trajan, Beneventum
Trajan. The shops and apartments were built in a multi-level structure. Highlights
include delicate marble floors and the remains of a library. 17. Trajan’s Basilica, Rome
4. Forum of Augustus Aka Basilica Ulpia built by Apollodorus of Damascus
A series of niches ran down the two side walls, containing statues of "summi viri"
("the best men") and titles describing their accomplishments. The statues on the
left portico were drawn from the Julian gentlemen, while those on the right came
from other leading families. The two series culminated in the central niches of the 23. Colosseum
hemicycles, which featured statuary groups of Aeneas taking his father, his son, Constructed in a level valley between the Esquiline and Caelian Hills. The outer
and the Penates (household gods) out of Troy, and Romulus with the "spolia walls of the ellipse have a measurement of 620 ft by 513 ft and the arena floor
opima" ("abundant spoils") which he won by killing Akron, the leader of a 287ft by 180ft. A podium at the floor level provided seats for the Emperor, Senators 31. Arch of Septimus Severus, Rome
neighboring village, in single combat. In the center of the Augustus Forum was a and other officials of state. Rising behind and around the podium were seats for
chariot carrying Augustus pater patriae (father of the country). The frieze on the 50,000 spectators. The foundation was concrete and the supporting walls were
pediment of the Temple of Mars Ultor depicted Mars, Venus, and other deities, and Trajan’s column. Like an unrolled scroll, a spiral frieze winds twenty-three times constructed of tufa stone and brick. Tavertine blocks secured together with metal
a statuary group of Mars, Venus, and the deified Julius was inside. The Forum around the column, depicting the campaigns of Trajan in Dacia in AD 101-102 and clamps comprised the façade and marble were used for the seats and ornaments.
Augusti shows the rows of Caryatids (female statues used as columns) supporting AD 105-106. It likely illustrates the emperor's own commentary on the wars, a 18. Basilica of Constantine, Rome Exterior is four stories tall, the first three floors of arches.
the roof on their heads. In between the Caryatids are shields with designs book, now lost,
representing Africa (Zeus Ammon) and Gaul (torques)--the eastern and western that was housed in the adjacent library. Depicted in low relief, there are one
conquests of the Romans. Scholars have suggested that the Caryatids themselves hundred and fifty-five scenes, in which more than twenty-five hundred figures are
represent either captured peoples (the enslaved other as female), or Roman represented, no less than sixty of Trajan, himself. Only eighteen scenes actually
women themselves brought back to their proper role (silent support of the state) by depict battles; most show the day-to-day activities of the army.
Augustus' restoration of morality. 32. Arch of Constantine, Rome

8. Temple of Mars, Ultor, Rome 24. Circus Maximus, Rome

9. Temple of Concord in Rome, constructed between 7 BC – AD 10
33. Tomb of Gaius Cestius, Rome (Pyramidal Tomb)

34. Castel Sant’Angelo, Mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, Rome (Monumental 42. San Vitale, Ravenna
Tomb)

35. Tomb of the Eurysaces family. Rome (Sculpted Tomb, decoration as bakers)

36. Julian Monument with relief sculpture, St. Remy-de-Provence, France

(Sculpted Tomb)

37. Catacombs of Priscilla – Gallery of Sandstone, Rome

38. Sta. Sabina, Rome

39. Sta. Constanza, Rome

40. Old Saint Peter’s Rome

41. Sant Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna

43. Hagia Sophia “Holy Wisdom”