The Roman architecture was unique compared to the other forms of architecture that existed at the time. Etruscans, Greeks, Egyptians, and Persians utilized monumental architecture. The grandeur of their buildings was mainly external. The buildings were primarily designed to impress those who look at it from the outside[1]. It is because their architects depended on constructing in a post-and-lintel system. It means that they utilized two upright posts that looked like columns, a horizontal block referred to as lintel which was put flat across the top. An example of a building that used this architecture is the ancient Greek Temple located at Paestum, Italy. Because the lintels were heavy, the interior of the buildings was limited in size. Most of the interior space was utilized to providing support to the heavy lintels. The case was different when Roman architecture was utilized. This essay elaborates how Roman architecture shaped the Roman culture.
The Roman architecture was different from the above tradition due to the discovery, experimentation, and use of vaulting, arches, and concrete (the Pantheon, c. 125 C.E. is an example of this). The discovery of the innovations in the first century C.E. enabled Romans to come up with interior spaces that were unique and initially unheard of. The Romans concentrated on the shaping and designing of their interior spaces instead of filling it with the structural supports that were incorporated in previous works of architecture. Due to this effort, the Roman buildings were impressive both in the interior and exterior.
Before the discovery of concrete in Rome, Romans used a volcanic stone from Italy named tufa to build their buildings. Even though the Romans never stopped using tufa, travertine became popular in the late 2nd century B.C.E. because of its durability. Also, the off-white color of the material made it an excellent substitute for marble. During the Republican period, it was difficult to get a marble in Rome since it was considered an extravagance. However, after the reign of Augustus (31 B.C.E.-14 C.E.), marble was seen as fashionable material[2]. Augustus stated in his funerary inscription that he had changed the city of Rome from a city of brick to a city of marble. He was referring to his building campaigns when he was the ruler.
The Roman concrete was formed in the early second century. The ancient world was familiar with the use of mortar as a bonding agent in ashlar masonry. Mortar consisted of a combination of water, lime, and sand in perfect proportions. The main contribution made by the Romans to the mortar recipe was the addition of Italian volcanic sand called pozzolana. The Roman constructors who utilized pozzolana realized that their mortar was stronger and more durable compared to the mortar made from ordinary sand. The brick and tile were usually plastered using the concrete because it was considered pretty enough on its own. The invention of the Roman concrete revolutionized the Roman architecture. It enabled the builders to come up with new designs. Because concrete takes the shape of a frame that it is put in, the construction of buildings took more creative and fluid shapes.
The Romans made use of the opportunities given to the architects by the creation of the true arch. A true arch comprises of wedge-shaped blocks known as voussoirs, with a keystone placed in the middle to hold the blocks in position. In the setup of a true arch, the weight is conveyed from one voussoir to the next one. It moves from the top of the arch all the way to the ground level leading to a sturdy building tool. True arches could span longer distances compared to the post-and-lintel. The combination of concrete and true arches allowed the construction of domes and vaults. It resulted in the building of breathtaking and expansive interior spaces.
Roman cities were concentrated on the forum which was a massive open plaza that was surrounded by significant constructions. It was the economic, religious, and civic center of if the city. Main temples like the Capitoline temple were located in the city’s forum. Also, some essential shrines were constructed in the city’s forum. The forum plan included a law court and curia building used for official meeting areas. The busting forum also hosted the city’s vegetables, fish, and meat markets. A Roman city had fountains, arches, colonnades, and porticoes surrounding the forum to enhance the beauty of the city. An example of a Roman city that has a properly preserved forum is Pompeii in Italy. A variety of housing options were available to the Romans. The wealthy could own houses in the city (Domus) and a country farmhouse (villa). The less-wealthy individuals lived in insulae, multi-story apartment buildings. An example of an insula is The House of Diana in Ostia[3]. Even in death, the Romans thought that it was vital to build elegant constructions to house and commemorate their remains. An example of such a building is Eurysaces the Baker’s tomb which is still present near the Porta Maggiore, Rome.
The Romans decided to make improvements by building several aqueducts in their domain which served to introduce water into the cities that were being constructed. They improved the sanitary conditions in the cities. Also, the continuous flow of water allowed for the inclusion of bathhouses in the Roman cities ranging from Timgad, Algeria all the way to Bath, England. The healthy lifestyles of the Romans included going to the gymnasium. In the imperial period, gymnasium-bath complexes were constructed and financed by the state. An example is the Baths of Caracalla which was made up of libraries, gardens, and running tracks.
Forms of entertainment varied to accommodate the various tastes of the Romans. As a result, different types of structures were erected. Greek style theaters were constructed for plays and intimate odeon constructions that were designed for musical performances. Also, the Romans built amphitheaters (enclosed spaces) that were utilized for battles or combats between animals and men. Most of the Roman cities had circuses. An example is the Lepcis Magna, Libya which acts as a venue for the residents to watch chariot racing. The Romans continued to put some effort in the perfection of their road laying and bridge construction skills. It allowed them to cross gullies, rivers, and travel long distances to expand the Roman Empire and improve the supervision[4]. The Romans were able to transport troops, money efficiently, and messages from the bridge built in Alcantara, Spain to the paved roads in Petra, Jordan.
The Republican Roman Architecture was under the influence of the Etruscans who were the early rulers of Rome. Later, the Etruscans were influenced by the Greek architecture. For instance, the Temple of Jupiter located on the Capitoline Hill has the hallmarks of Etruscan architecture. The temple was built from local tufa on a high podium and is mainly characterized by its frontality. The porch of the temple was deep, and visitors were to use a single access point instead of all the way around like was common in Greek temples. Also, the temple had unique features like the cult rooms or three cellas. The Temple of Jupiter became a famous building in the designing of other temples during the Republican period.
Even though Roman architects were deeply rooted in their traditions, they were still willing to try out new ideas. In the late Republican period, the architects decided to experiment with concrete to find out whether or not the material could allow them to construct on a grand scale. The Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia currently located in Palestrina is made up of two complexes; a lower and an upper one. The upper complex is constructed into a hillside, and it is terraced. It comprises of stairs and ramps from the terraces to the tholos temple and small theater located at the pinnacle. The whole compound is woven together intricately to influence the visitor’s experience the approach of the sanctuary, the daylight, and the sight. It does not rely on post-and-lintel architecture as the builders used concrete to construct the barrel vaults, shops, large terraces, and ramps.
After a great fire ruined most of the downtown area in Rome in 64 C.E., Emperor Nero started constructing his Golden House. The emperor made use valuable real estate that was left behind after the destruction for his construction project. Nero’s desire to have a fashionable house led to the architectural revolution in Rome. His palace was built with fountains, colonnades, dining rooms, and courtyards. The architects made use of concrete throughout the entire complex. The Golden House is considered unique in Roman architecture because the architects, Celer and Severus, used concrete in new and exciting means[5]. Instead of using the material for structural purposes, the architects did several experiments with the concrete to come up with aesthetic modes like the building of expansive domed spaces.
Even though Nero began a new trend for improved concrete architecture, the Roman architects and emperors who supported the ideas pushed the trends to a higher potential. Some of the buildings that resulted from the architectural revolution are the Basilica of Maxentius, the Baths of Caracalla, the Markets of Trajan, and Vespasian’s Colosseum. It is important to note that the Roman architecture was not only made up of concrete. Other buildings were built using marble and the classical beauty of Greek architecture such as the Forum of Trajan[6]. The marble constructions and the concrete structures were erected side by side in Rome. It showed that the Romans accepted the architectural history of the Mediterranean the same way they did with their innovations. Generally, Roman architecture is a triumphant story of experiments and the desire to come up with a new invention.
The expansive nature of the Roman Empire influenced a lot of countries with their infrastructure and architecture. Although centuries have passed since the fall of the Roman Empire, many national monuments have been designed to emulate the Roman architecture. Several notable buildings around the world are made up of arches, domes, and columns. Paris is known to obtain most of its inspiration from Roman architecture. After Napoleon was made the emperor in 1804, he instructed several projects that would make Paris the new Rome. Some of the buildings in France that were influenced by the Roman Architecture are the Place Vendome and the Arc de Triomphe.
Recently, many official constructions in the United States have heavily borrowed from Roman architecture. A good example is the White House which comprises columns and arches in its exterior. These were some of the characteristics of Roman architecture. Another building is the Federal Hall in New York City which has the Doric columns. Many modern architectures like the interior of the Union Station in Washington D.C. utilize the Roman arches. Even though the Greeks initially invented the arches, they were implemented into the Roman architecture during the early years[7]. Initially, the arches were used to support the underground drainage systems. During the Roman era, the arches were constructed for significant events. For instance, the Arch of Constantine was erected to celebrate the victory of Constantine I at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge against Maxentius.
The list of designs of buildings influenced by the Roman architecture is long. Most of the architects of these constructions had a desire to create structures of classic sophistication. Another example is the Jefferson Memorial located in the United States which is an excellent reflection of Roman architecture. The impact of Roman architecture is evident in the designing of buildings and infrastructure in almost every city around the globe[8]. If a city has bridges and roads, high chances are that it was influenced by Roman architecture.
Many cities located in Europe still reflect ancient Rome. Also, the western world is still influenced by Roman culture. The success of Rome heavily depended on its architecture. Both the formal structures such as temples and the utilitarian constructions such as bridges were crucial in the unifying the Roman Empire. The communication in the empire was made easier by the building of bridges that connected the roads[9]. Aqueducts such as Pont du Gard allowed the transportation of water to the cities. The Roman cities were protected by the constructed city walls such as Autun in France. The Roman cities symbolized power throughout the Empire. All the buildings in the Empire served the Roman power either directly or indirectly. The administrative functions in the city were served by the building called basilica. The traditions of the Roman architecture affected American architecture. For instance, the courthouses in America are built based on Roman architecture.
The life of Romans revolved around the city of Rome. The city was recorded to have brothels, baths, taverns, gymnasiums, and theaters[10]. Throughout the Roman Empire, the architecture of their houses entailed modest houses and country villas. Most of the people in this empire resided in the city center in apartments. Most of the Roman cities had temples and forums similar to the city of Rome. The empire constructed aqueducts which provided the people in the cities with sufficient water. Most of the landlords preferred to reside in the cities and put their farm managers in charge of their estates. To increase labor productivity, most landlords preferred freeing many slaves. By the era of Augustus, the young Romans were taught the Greek culture by the Greek household slaves. Most of the food ate by the Romans was introduced by the Greek. The interaction of the Greek and the Romans resulted in the mixing of their cultures[11]. For instance, the Roman architecture was initially influenced by Greek architecture before the Romans came up with innovations that were unique to the Romans.
The expansion of the empire due to the improved infrastructure resulted in it hosting people from different cultural backgrounds. The residents were allowed to worship various deities. The Roman ceremonies that were held at the forum were tailored to accommodate local culture and identity. Most of the cultural practices of the Romans were borrowed from the Greek. However, the difference in the architecture between the Romans and Greeks was apparent even though some of the traditions of the Roman architects were similar to those of the Greek architects.
Even though the Roman architecture heavily relied on Greek culture, it managed to find its own culture and innovations. Currently, it is easy to differentiate between Greek architecture and Roman architecture. The Roman architecture is evident in the design of houses, apartment blocks, temples, thermaes, amphitheaters, aqueducts, domes, and arches. Some of the buildings constructed by the Roman architects influenced the lives of the people at the time.
One of the most vital aspects of Roman architecture was the introduction of arches. The idea of arches originated from the Etruscans[12]. Using the concept of arch, bricks, and concrete, Rome managed to cater to the water demand. It was achieved through the construction of the water bridges (also known as aqueducts) which were constructed around the Roman Empire[13]. Their arch design enabled them to supply water to regions that were located far away from the natural supply of water. The incorporation of arches led to the invention of dome ceilings that were used in the construction of many buildings and houses. Since arched and domed structures could balance the weight evenly, the idea was adopted by many cities around the world.
The Romans utilized marble and bricks to come up with various buildings. Another example of a structure that portrayed the Roman architecture skills is the Roman amphitheater. The amphitheaters were used for public executions, chariot races, gladiator fights, and other important events. Approximately the Roman Empire had 230 amphitheaters which could accommodate 60,000 spectators[14]. The amphitheaters were constructed from stone and were in the shape of a large oval. Some of them had several levels of seating. In the modern world, the amphitheaters are compared to the football stadiums since they appear to be quite similar. Up to date, Rome still has the biggest amphitheater called the Colosseum. The forums found in the cities were also constructed using stone. They were built in the shape of a rectangle. The Roman forum served the community as the Town square where trials, public speeches, and elections took place.
The Romans spent most of their time at the bathhouse (also known as the Thermae). The location was utilized for gossiping, quiet reflection, bathing, and socializing. The Roman Empire ensured that each town had a bathhouse. The constructions were mostly divided into three sections; one for the cold baths, the other for warm baths, and the remaining one for hot baths[15]. The complex had an open yard as the center which was called atrium. The Romans used this space to sit, meditate, wrestle, and exercise. Also, the buildings had gardens and more rooms.
The sophisticated nature of the Roman architecture was witnessed in the construction of their temples. These structures survived for many years due to its spiritual and religious connections with the citizens. As most Greek structures were almost similar from different points of view, the Roman temples had a specific design for the fronts which were more detailed compared to other parts of the buildings[16]. Columns which originated from Greek characterized most of the temples. The front usually had some form of tribute to the specific god or goddess of the temple. The modern apartment buildings have a lot of similarities with the constructions that existed in ancient Rome. Since the Roman Empire comprised of a lot of people, the houses had to be built in such a way that they could accommodate all the residents.
From the above explanations, it is clear that Roman architecture influenced the culture and lives of the people. For instance, the buildings provided them with recreational activities, worship places, and better means of transport. The Roman architecture has become famous in the modern world where important buildings like the American White House and the Jefferson Memorial have incorporated the Roman designs in their exterior. The United States has borrowed from Roman architecture; European countries and other nations around the world also appreciate the contribution of the Romans in architecture.
Bibliography
Adkins, Lesley, and Roy A. Adkins. Handbook to life in ancient Rome. Infobase publishing, 2014.
Anderson Jr, James C. Roman architecture in Provence. Cambridge University Press, 2012.
Garnsey, Peter, and Richard Saller. The Roman Empire: economy, society and culture. Univ of California Press, 2014.
Luttwak, Edward. The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire: From the First Century CE to the Third. JHU Press, 2016.
Skinner, Marilyn B. Sexuality in Greek and Roman culture. John Wiley & Sons, 2013.
[1]
Lesley, Adkins, Handbook to the life in ancient Rome, (Infobase publishing, 2014), 15.
[2] Lesley, Adkins, Handbook to the life in ancient Rome, (Infobase publishing, 2014), 28.
[3] Lesley, Adkins, Handbook to the life in ancient Rome, (Infobase publishing, 2014), 42.
[4]
Lesley, Adkins, Handbook to the life in ancient Rome, (Infobase publishing, 2014), 102.
[5]
Lesley, Adkins, Handbook to the life in ancient Rome, (Infobase publishing, 2014), 128.
[6] Lesley, Adkins, Handbook to the life in ancient Rome, (Infobase publishing, 2014), 152.
[7]
James, Anderson, Roman architecture in Provence (Cambridge University Press, 2012), 26.
[8]
James, Anderson, Roman architecture in Provence (Cambridge University Press, 2012), 49.
[9]
Edward, Luttwak, The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire: From the First Century CE to the Third ( JHU Press, 2016), 54.
[10]
Peter, Garney, The Roman Empire: economy, society and culture (Univ of California Press, 2014), 38.
[11]Marilyn, Skinner, Sexuality in Greek and Roman culture (John Wiley & Sons, 2013), 82.
[12]Edward, Luttwak, The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire: From the First Century CE to the Third ( JHU Press, 2016), 108.
[13]
James, Anderson, Roman architecture in Provence (Cambridge University Press, 2012), 76.
[14]
Peter,Garnsey, The Roman Empire: economy, society and culture (Univ of California Press, 2014), 115.
[15]Edward, Luttwak, The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire: From the First Century CE to the Third ( JHU Press, 2016), 100.
[16]
James, Anderson, Roman architecture in Provence (Cambridge University Press, 2012), 58.
