|
Basic Features of Roman Architecture- first true utilitarian architecture in history - importance of interior space - exploitation of concrete (cement the favorite building material of the Romans) - arch was literally the building-block of Roman architecture Amphitheaters: the Colosseum- Amphi-theatres are "theatres in the round" - Colosseum (aka Amphitheatrum Flavium) - 80 CE Hippodromes: the Circus Maximus- Circus Maximus in Rome, first begun in 46 BCE by Julius Caesar. - 600 meters long, a race track. - During the reign of Constantine, the Circus Maximus held about 250,000 Theaters- early theaters always temporary - 55 BC Pompey built a permanent theater in Rome - some Roman theaters had permanent roofs - most built on level ground (unlike Greek theaters) Temples- rectangular temple form borrowed from the Greeks - Pantheon is a combination of 2 styles, a rectangular porch attached to a domed interior - From the outside, the Pantheon appears rather dull and abnormal; magnificent interior space - lighting from central aperture in dome - an example of Roman architects stretching the dome to its limits Thermae- example of public, utilitarian architecture - often massive & remarkable interiors The Roman House- the center of an upper-class Roman home was the atrium - a walk-way surrounded the impluvium or pool. - various rooms opened onto the walk-way -- bedrooms, living quarters, etc.
|