UNITY UNIVERSITY

DRPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN PLANING

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE

THE ROMAN ARCHITECTURE

NAME :BIRUK ASHAGRE

ID : UUR 01 450/17
 Roman architecture, which flourished from the 6th century BCE to the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th
century CE, is a testament to the empire's engineering prowess and innovative spirit. Its origins can be traced
back to the Etruscan civilization, which significantly influenced early Roman temple design, urban planning, and
the use of arches. As Rome expanded its empire, it absorbed elements from the diverse cultures it conquered,
notably Greek architecture, synthesizing these influences with its own innovations. The Romans were pioneers
in the use of concrete, which revolutionized construction by allowing for more flexible and durable structures.
This innovation led to the creation of large-scale, complex buildings such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon,
which featured domes and expansive interiors. Roman architecture is also renowned for its use of arches, vaults,
and domes, providing structural support and creating vast, impressive public spaces.

Urban planning was a significant aspect of Roman architecture, with cities designed on a grid layout incorporating extensive public infrastructure such as roads,
aqueducts, and baths. Public buildings like forums, basilicas, and amphitheaters served civic, administrative, and entertainment purposes, reflecting the practical
and community-oriented nature of Roman society. The emphasis on functionality, combined with grandeur and decorative elements like frescoes and mosaics,
defined Roman architectural style. This legacy has endured through the centuries, influencing Renaissance and neoclassical movements and continuing to shape
modern architectural practices. The principles of proportion, symmetry, and innovative engineering introduced by Roman architects remain foundational in
contemporary design and urban planning.

INFLUENCE
• Geography:

• Resource Availability: The diverse geography of the Roman Empire provided access to various building materials like marble from Italy, sandstone from
Egypt, and granite from Africa.
• Engineering Adaptations: Varied terrains necessitated innovative engineering solutions for building roads, bridges, and aqueducts, showcasing Roman
adaptability.
• Climate:

• Structural Designs: Adaptations to different climatic conditions led to the development of structures like thick-walled buildings in warmer regions to keep
interiors cool.
• Public Baths and Aqueducts: The warm Mediterranean climate encouraged the construction of extensive bath complexes and aqueducts to provide fresh
water.

• Politics:

• Imperial Propaganda: Grand structures like the Colosseum and triumphal arches were built to reflect the power and benevolence of the emperors.
• Public Buildings: Forums, basilicas, and other civic buildings emphasized Roman organizational capabilities and facilitated political administration.

• Religion:

• Temple Construction: Temples were built to honor the pantheon of Roman gods, influencing the architectural layout and decorative elements.
• Transition to Christianity: Later architectural developments included basilicas and churches, reflecting the changing religious landscape.

• Social:

• Public Spaces: Amphitheaters, baths, and forums were designed for public gatherings, reflecting the social nature of Roman society.
• Residential Buildings: Villas and insulae (apartment buildings) were constructed to meet the housing needs of different social classes, from the elite to the
common citizens.

CHARACTER
1. Monumentality: 3. Use of Concrete:

• Massive Structures: Roman buildings were designed to be awe- • Opus Caementicium: The
inspiring, with colossal structures like the Colosseum and the Romans developed a durable concrete
Pantheon showcasing their engineering prowess. mixture that revolutionized
construction, allowing for greater
flexibility in design and the creation of
complex structures.
• Concrete Domes: The Pantheon's
iconic dome, constructed entirely of concrete, is a testament to
Roman engineering ingenuity.

4. Borrowed Elements from Greek Architecture:

• Columns and Orders: The Romans adopted the Greek orders

Colosseum, Rome (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian) and incorporated them into their
• Sense of Power and Permanence: The sheer scale of Roman architecture, often using them as decorative elements.
architecture conveyed a sense of imperial power and the enduring
nature of the Roman Empire.
Roman Corinthian column
2. Arches and Vaults:
5. Emphasis on Public Spaces and Infrastructure:
• Arch as a Structural Element: The Romans mastered the use of the
arch, which allowed for wider spans and greater heights than • Fora and Basilicas: The Romans built grand public spaces like the
traditional post-and-lintel construction. Roman Forum and basilicas to serve as centers of civic and
commercial life.

Roman arch
Roman basilica
• Barrel Vaults and Groin Vaults: These innovative vaulting • Aqueducts and Roads: The extensive network of aqueducts and
techniques enabled the construction of large, enclosed spaces like roads constructed by the Romans facilitated trade, communication,
basilicas and public baths. and water supply throughout the empire.

6. Ornate Decoration:

Marble and Mosaics: The Romans adorned their buildings with colorful
marble and intricate mosaics, creating visually stunning interiors and
exteriors.

Roman barrel vault

EXAMPLE
1. Colosseum, Rome: 6.Public Buildings and Infrastructure

• Baths of Caracalla: These massive public baths were a center of social life in
ancient Rome, featuring swimming pools, saunas, and exercise rooms.

Colosseum, Rome

• A massive amphitheater built in the 1st century AD.

• Could hold up to 50,000 spectators.
• Used for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and public executions. Baths of Caracalla
2. Pantheon, Rome: 7.Aqueducts: The Romans were masterful engineers who built extensive
aqueduct systems to supply water to their cities. The Pont du Gard in France is
one of the most famous examples.

Pantheon, Rome

• A temple dedicated to all the Roman gods.

• Built in the 1st century AD.
Pont du Gard
• Famous for its massive dome, which is still the largest unreinforced concrete
dome in the world. 8.Triumphal Arches: These monumental arches were built to commemorate
military victories and emperors. The Arch of Constantine in Rome is a well-
3. Roman Forum, Rome:
preserved example.
Roman Forum, Rome
Arch of Constantine
• The heart of ancient Rome.
• A complex of public buildings used for political, legal, and commercial 9.Religious Structures
activities.
• Temple of Venus and Roma: This temple, dedicated to the goddesses Venus
• Contains many important ruins, including temples, basilicas, and triumphal
and Roma, is one of the largest temples ever built in ancient Rome.
arches.

4. Pont du Gard, France:

Temple of Venus and Roma

Pont du Gard, France 10.Temple of Hadrian: This circular temple, dedicated to the Roman
emperor Hadrian, features a distinctive Corinthian colonnade.
• A Roman aqueduct built in the 1st century AD.
• Consists of three tiers of arches.
• Transported water from the springs of Uzès to the city of Nîmes.

5. Hadrians Wall, England:

 Temple of Hadrian

11.Domestic Architecture

• Roman Villas: These luxurious villas were often located in the countryside
and featured elaborate gardens, swimming pools, and mosaics.

Hadrians Wall, England

• A defensive wall built in the 2nd century AD.

• Extended for 73 miles across northern England.
• Designed to protect the Roman province of Britannia from attacks by northern
tribes.

Roman villa

12.Domus: These were the typical Roman townhouses, often built around a
central courtyard.

Roman domus
 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
• Roman vs. Greek Architecture:

• Structural Elements: Roman architecture is renowned for its use of arches, vaults, and domes, made possible
by their innovative use of concrete. This allowed for the construction of larger, more complex structures such as
the Colosseum and the Pantheon. In contrast, Greek architecture primarily utilized columns and the post-and-
lintel system, with iconic structures like the Parthenon. While Greeks focused on three classical orders (Doric,
Ionic, and Corinthian), Romans adopted and adapted these orders, integrating them into their more elaborate and
versatile constructions.
• Materials: The Romans extensively used concrete, bricks, and a variety of local stones, which facilitated rapid
construction and greater architectural experimentation. Greek architects predominantly used marble and
limestone, which required more precision and time in construction.
• Design Principles: Roman design balanced practicality with grandiosity, emphasizing function alongside monumental scale. Greek design, however, was
more focused on harmony, proportion, and aesthetic perfection, heavily influenced by mathematical principles such as the golden ratio.
• Building Purposes: Romans expanded their architectural scope beyond religious temples to include extensive public infrastructure like aqueducts, baths,
basilicas, and amphitheaters. Greek architecture, on the other hand, was primarily focused on temples, agoras (public squares), and theaters.

• Roman vs. Egyptian Architecture:

• Structural Elements: Roman architecture's hallmark features such as the arch, vault, and dome were
absent in Egyptian construction. Egyptians excelled in creating massive, solid stone structures like the
pyramids and colossal temples, designed to last for eternity. The Romans' use of concrete allowed them to
build more flexible and diverse forms.
• Materials: Romans utilized a mix of concrete, bricks, and stones, optimizing construction efficiency
and creativity. Egyptians predominantly relied on limestone, sandstone, and granite, leading to
monumental but more static forms.
• Design Principles: Roman architecture combined utility with grandeur, making public buildings accessible and multifunctional.
Egyptian architecture was heavily symbolic and religious, with massive monuments serving as tombs or temples designed to honor gods and pharaohs.
• Building Purposes: Romans constructed a wide range of buildings serving different public functions, reflecting their emphasis on civic life and urbanism. In
contrast, Egyptian architecture focused largely on monumental religious structures and tombs, reflecting their beliefs in the afterlife and the divine.
• Roman vs. Gothic Architecture:

• Structural Elements: Roman architecture's use of concrete, arches, and domes provided a solid foundation for large, open
spaces. Gothic architecture, evolving much later in medieval Europe, introduced pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying
buttresses, allowing for taller, lighter buildings with extensive use of stained glass.
• Materials: Roman buildings predominantly used concrete and local stones, while Gothic cathedrals and structures were
constructed using stone masonry with elaborate detailing.
• Design Principles: Roman architecture emphasized solidity, durability, and grandiose public spaces. Gothic architecture
aimed for height, light, and verticality, creating ethereal interiors with high ceilings and large windows.
• Building Purposes: Roman buildings served a wide range of public, religious, and civic functions, with an emphasis on practicality. Gothic structures were
primarily religious, designed to inspire awe and elevate the spiritual experience within cathedrals and churches.

• Roman vs. Modern Architecture:

• Structural Elements: Roman architecture relied on concrete, arches, vaults, and domes for stability and grandeur.
Modern architecture leverages advanced materials such as steel, glass, and reinforced concrete, allowing for innovative
designs like skyscrapers and cantilevered structures.
• Materials: Romans used concrete, bricks, and stones, setting a precedent for building materials that remain in use
today. Modern architecture has expanded to include a variety of new materials, including sustainable and eco-friendly
options.
• Design Principles: Roman architecture balanced functionality with monumental aesthetics. Modern architecture often
follows the principle of "form follows function," emphasizing efficiency, simplicity, and minimalism.
• Building Purposes: Romans built an array of public buildings, from baths and arenas to forums and aqueducts. Modern architecture encompasses diverse
building types, including commercial, residential, industrial, and recreational, reflecting the needs of contemporary society.