Classical Studies 2700B

Roman Construction

Main Differences between Greek and Roman Architecture:

a) Greek architecture mainly concerned with exteriors; Romans became increasingly concerned with interiors: reasons for this. > Pantheon c. AD 125.

b) Roman architecture had immense range—in all senses. Quick survey of main types of structure: temples, city walls, bridges, public buildings (Senate House, law courts, baths), houses, amphitheatres, tombs, palaces.

c) Position of architects and craftsmen; buildings after 30 BC usually named after Emperors. Even greatest Roman architects just employees: example of Apollodorus of Damascus, Trajan’s “architectus” (cf. Grk Architekton).

d) Materials and building methods. Greeks used mostly the “post and lintel” style of construction, with stone (marble) as main material, plus wooden beams in roofs. Importance of arch and dome (which Etruscans may have been first to use in Italy). Romans were first people in West to use baked clay brick in standard sizes; also from 2^nd century BC they evolved use of concrete (not just mortar/cement) and walls came to have concrete cores with brick facings, sometimes decorative. Romans ended up with “hydraulic cement”, made from volcanic material called pulvis Puteolanus or “pozzolana” (you can buy something like this at a builders’ supply depot today). With concrete Romans could make a large range of shapes (exx. shown, including Pantheon).

Large amounts of metal went into buildings too—often stripped out during intervening centuries. Also stucco (very hard lime-based plaster, different from other kinds of plaster, e.g., gypsum-based) used for exterior and interior finishes; also marble veneers. Question of interiors and their decoration: paint on plaster, frescoes, and mosaics.