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Ancient Roman Architecture
The
first era was of the Republic where the origins of the
architecture of the Romans can be traced to the Etruscans,
who migrated from Asia Minor to Italy in the 12th Century
BC. The second era started in 27BC and is classed as the
period of the Empire. The content of this article
provides interesting history, facts and information about
Ancient Roman Architecture.
History of Ancient Roman Architecture
The Roman period marks the
transition from a western world which comprised of barbaric
regional tribes to the sophistication and civilisation of
the the global conquerors of the Roman Empire. The period of
Roman Architecture dates from the establishment of the
Republic in 509BC to the transfer of the capital of the
Empire from Rome to the Eastern empire in Constantinople in
330AD. The History of their Architecture was divided into
two distinctive eras. The first era was of the Republic
where the origins of their architecture can be traced to the
Etruscans who mirrored the Greek and the Phoenician
traditions, building large temples to honour their Gods. The
second era of their architecture started in 27BC and is
classed as the period of the Empire. Their Empire covered
thousands of miles across Europe, North Africa and the Near
East. The number of countries the Romans conquered afforded
a vast number of culturally diverse people and the
architecture of the Roman Empire therefore became eclectic
i.e. made up of, or combining elements from. a variety of
regional sources and styles.
Ancient Roman Architecture
- Structures built by the ancient Romans
The era of Roman
Architecture moving from the Republic to the Empire saw the
development and construction of new structures and
buildings. The ancient Romans were responsible for the
development of: -
Forums - squares which were
surrounded by temples, shops, and basilicas *** Basilicas - public buildings *** Baths *** Markets such as Trajan's market in Rome - a five
story complex housing shops, bars and restaurants
- Amphitheaters such as the
Colosseum and the Circus Maximus *** Theatres
- Triumphal arches celebrating
the victories of the Romans *** Villas *** Temples *** Roads *** Forts and Stockades *** Towns *** Aqueducts
Ancient Roman Architecture
- Social and Cultural changes
The Social and cultural in
Rome due to the expansion of the ancient Roman empire saw
changes in Roman Architecture. The grandeur of their
architecture reflected the social changes of the people of
Rome - the Romans were the conquerors of half the civilised
world. Their great stone and marble structures declared
their wealth, dominance and power to all of the
civilisations that were enslaved. To control and maintain
the Roman Empire required fast access to these regions and
provinces. The building of the roads provided the means for
faster travel stretching 51,000 miles across the Empire. It
is not surprising that we still repeat the saying 'All roads
led to Rome". The massive ancient Amphitheatres were built
for the mob. The ancient games provided entertainment whilst
pronouncing the power and the extent of their dominance was
exemplified by the brutal blood sacrifices of men and of
exotic creatures such as crocodiles, leopards, elephants,
lions and tigers.
Ancient Roman Architecture
- Changing needs of the Population
The changing needs of the
population demanded innovations in ancient Roman
Architecture. The Roman Emperors required the support of the
mob to stay in power so great public building projects were
undertaken. The population was treated to games in the
massive amphitheatres such as the Colosseum and the Circus
Maximus. Spectacular triumphal processions across the Roman
roads and through the Triumphal arches of the forums
culminating in worshipping in the temples of their gods.
Public baths created another diversion for both the rich and
poor ancient Roman citizens. The wealthy ancient Roman
patricians wanted luxury so their magnificent villas were
built. cities and their public baths
Ancient Roman Architecture
- Building Materials and Labor
What materials were readily available for ancient
Roman Architecture? Many of their buildings were at first
built with timber but they then used stone and sumptuous
marble. Many skills were required to achieve the high
standards of ancient Roman architecture. To build the great
structures and cities would have taken a labour force of
thousands. This was not a problem for the
Romans who had enslaved millions, taken the best ideas and
building concepts from conquered nations and had the Roman
army at the disposal who were responsible for building the
vast network of ancient Roman roads.
Ancient Roman Architecture
- Concrete
The Magnificent examples of
ancient Roman architecture was made possible by their
invention and development of concrete without concrete the
fabulous building such as the Pantheon, the arches and the
Colosseum could not have been built.
Ancient Roman Architecture
The content of this Ancient Roman Architecture
category on life in Ancient Rome provides free educational
details, facts and information for reference and research
for schools, colleges and homework. Refer to the
Colosseum Sitemap for a comprehensive search on interesting
different categories containing the history, facts and
information about Ancient Rome. Just like the subject of
Ancient Roman Architecture there is hardly a page of Roman history and the Romans
that is not, on
some way, connected to the Roman Colosseum which became a
symbol of Rome, its society, culture and life.
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