There had never been anything like the architecture of Rome. The monumental architecture of the Persians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Etruscans is comparable. But the splendour of their structures was mainly outward. Because all architects were forced to construct using the post-and-lintel method, which consists of two upright posts, akin to columns, with a horizontal block, known as a lintel, set flat over the top, buildings were all built to be impressive from the outside. This historic Greek temple in Paestum, Italy, serves as a prime illustration.
Roman architecture broke from this heritage in a fundamental way thanks to the use of concrete, arches, and vaulting, which were discovered, experimented with, and utilised throughout the period (a good example of this is the Pantheon, c. 125 C.E.). Beginning in the first century C.E., Romans were able to construct interior spaces that had never before been possible. Romans began to place more emphasis on internal space shaping than on adding structural supports to it. As a result, Roman structures had stunning interiors to match their stunning exteriors.
The knowledge of Roman architects is limited. Because dedicatory inscriptions, which can be found on completed buildings, typically honour the person who commissioned and paid for the edifice, very few individual architects are known to us. We do know that architects were in charge of every part of construction on a project and came from all social classes, including freedmen and the emperor Hadrian. The architect would plan the structure, function as the engineer, operate as the contractor and project manager, and work to keep costs down.
The early kings of Rome, the Etruscans, inspired Republican Roman design, which in turn was affected by Greek architecture. Beginning in the late 6th century B.C.E., the Temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill in Rome exhibits all the characteristics of Etruscan architecture. The frontality of the temple, which was built from native tufa on a tall podium, is what makes it unique. The visitor is intended to enter the porch from only one spot because it is quite deep, as opposed to walking around it as was customary in Greek temples. Three cellas, or cult rooms, were also unusually present. Throughout much of the Republican era, the Temple of Jupiter would continue to have an impact on temple design.
The Emperor Nero began building his infamous Domus Aurea, or Golden House, after a great fire swept through Rome in 64 C.E. and destroyed much of the downtown area. The destruction allowed Nero to take over valuable real estate for his own building project; a vast new villa. Although the choice was not in the public interest, Nero’s desire to live in grand fashion did spur on the architectural revolution in Rome. The architects, Severus and Celer, are known , and they built a grand palace, complete with courtyards, dining rooms, colonnades and fountains. They also used concrete extensively, including barrel vaults and domes throughout the complex.
Vitruvius, the famous ancient Roman architect believed that an architect should focus on three central themes when preparing a design for a building: firmitas (strength), utilitas (functionality), and venustas (beauty).
Romans were very audacious in their use of architecture to celebrate their culture and power. They mostly drew inspiration from Greek and Etruscan architecture and also made advances. They were the first to recognise and take advantage of concrete's enormous potential, which has since altered the face of architecture.
Aqueducts, public baths, triumphal arches, residential housing blocks, granary buildings, amphitheatres, and basilicas are a few notable examples of Rome's ancient architecture.
Roman architecture is notable for its use of elements, innovations, and thoughtful execution. They naturally concentrated on the architectural features they employed, such as vaults, domes, columns, and arches.
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