Rome, from it’s foundation till the Early Empire: Synthesize in The Augustan Era

an essay how the architectural traditions of the Etruscans and

Greeks gave rise to Roman architecture, as it was crystallized The reign of Augustus (27 BCE – 14 CE) marks a definitive period in which
Roman architecture crystallized into a style that celebrated Roman power and
in the Augustan period. You may refer to examples we visited divine lineage. Augustus leveraged architecture as a political tool, initiating a
and we discussed in class, examples discussed by ancient building program that aimed to transform Rome from a city of brick to a city
literary sources, or other examples you have come across of marble, a metaphor for the dawn of a new era of stability and prosperity.
independently.
The Ara Pacis Augustae (Altar of Augustan Peace) is a quintessential
Rome’s architectural evolution, from its foundation through the Augustan embodiment of this era, blending Etruscan altars’ formality, Greek decorative
period, epitomizes a remarkable synthesis of influences, primarily from the sophistication, and Roman civic values. This monument not only exemplifies
Etruscans and Greeks, which profoundly shaped early Roman architecture.We the architectural synthesis but also serves as a narrative device through its relief
will explore how these influences were integrated and transformed into the sculptures that depict mythological and contemporary themes, portraying
distinct style that characterized the Early Roman Empire, particularly during Augustus as a pious leader who restored peace and piety.
Figure 2. Reconstruction of an Etruscan Temple of the 6th century according to Vitruvius identifying placement of
the reign of Augustus. terracotta sculpture. photography by Steven Zucker.
The use of concrete, perfected during this period, allowed for unprecedented
The foundation of Roman architecture can be traced back to the Etruscans, freedom in terms of architectural form, facilitating the construction of
who significantly influenced Roman culture and building techniques. The Greek Influence innovative structures such as the Pantheon. With its vast dome and oculus, the
Etruscans (figure 1), neighbours to early Rome, were known for their mastery The interaction with Greek colonies in Southern Italy and Sicily introduced Pantheon represents the zenith of Roman architectural innovation, combining
in handling terracotta and their distinctive religious architecture. Etruscan Romans to Hellenistic architecture, which they adapted to their own needs, structural daring with religious symbolism.
temples, characterized by their high podiums, deep porches, and predominantly leading to a significant transformation in their architectural style. The adoption
wood and mud-brick construction, offered a stark contrast to the stone temples of Greek orders (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian) is the most visible aspect of
of the Greeks (figure 2). The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus on the this influence(figure 3). However, the Romans were not mere imitators of bibliography
Capitoline Hill is a prime example of how the Etruscan Romans appropriated Greek aesthetics; they modified these elements to suit their purposes, leading Edlund-Berry, Ingrid. “Etruscan Architectural Traditions: Local Creativity
architectural elements. This temple retained the Etruscan plan with a triple to innovations such as the composite capital, which combined Ionic volutes or Outside Influence?” Etruscan Studies 9, no. 1 (January 2002).
cella for three gods, a feature that emphasized Roman adaptability and religious with Corinthian acanthus leaves (Greek architecture and its sculpture, 2006). https://doi.org/10.1515/etst.2002.9.1.37.
syncretism. Etruscan influence is also evident in the use of arches and vaults, Greek influence extended beyond stylistic elements to spatial and structural Jenkins, Ian. Greek architecture and its sculpture. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard
which were crucial in the development of Roman engineering (Etruscan innovations. Romans embraced and adapted Greek theatrical architecture,
Architectural Traditions: Local Creativity or Outside Influence? 2002). These University Press, 2006.
as seen in their amphitheatres, which were essentially two Greek theatres
elements were not only structural innovations but also enabled the construction mirrored and joined. This adaptation underscores the Roman penchant for
of complex architectural forms such as aqueducts and bridges. spectacles and social gatherings, reflecting their societal values within their
architectural forms.

Figure 3. The Ionic and Corinthian from Greece. This is a representative work of the Greek civilization. Photograph
Figure 1. The Etruscans, the Sarcophagus of the Spouses. This is a representative work of the Etruscans civilization. by Jiayi. QR code for Ionic Order. Photograph by QR code for Corinthian Order.
Photograph by Jiayi. Jiayi Photograph by Jiayi