RR # 4

The Founding of [Rome] Roman Architecture –

Map of Roman Empire

·         1000 B.C.E Balkan settlers moved into the Italian peninsula.
300 years later Etruscans moved into Tuscany.

·         Rome’s rule stretched from Gibraltar to Gaul.

·         46 B.C.E Julius Caesar became dictator.

o   Assassinated and nephew Octavian took rule.

·         Octavian defeated and claimed Egypt.

Began to fall apart during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. 

Empire came together once more during the rule of Constantine in 324 C.E. 

·         An architecture of space (internal and outdoor) to a large extent.

·         The essence of Roman architecture was to intentionally shape public spaces.

o   The Pantheon – had a span of 142.5 feet.

o   Best symbolizes the Roman enclosure of space and the powerful effect.

o   Temple to all the gods.

o   Included a dome to symbolize the universe.

·         The basilica was designed to include a space large enough to hold legal matters and fit a vast amount of people.

o   Internal encircling colonnade with an apse, where the judges would sit.

o   At the geometric center of the apse was an alter for the emperor.

·         Basilica Ulpia measured 385 by 182 feet (not including the apses).

·         The Basilica of Maxentius , begun in 307 C.E., was finished by Constantine in c. 325

o   Public bath constructed of concrete.

o   Circulation space measured 265 by 83 feet.

o   Included 3 huge groin vaults and 3 chambers on each side.

·         The founding of Rome (and Roman architecture) is important to the world today because it created a precedent for the way architecture is designed today.

o   It was a model for well building and included:

§   Useful arrangement.

§  Stability and solidity.

§  And it created a positive effect on the people.

·         Each building was designed with a specific purpose and told a story.

·         It set  the bar in building for the mass on a large scale. 

Plan of the Basilica

The Pantheon