Republic Roam Vocab

History of World Architecture I

Amphitheater

an elliptical or circular space surrounded by rising tiers of seats, as used by the Romans for gladiatorial contests; e.g., the Colosseum in Rome.

Apse

a vaulted semicircular or polygonal termination.

Aqueduct

an artificial channel for carrying water, usually an elevated masonry or brick structure supported on arches, invented by the romans

Arcade

row of arches

Barrel vault

the simplest form of vault, consisting of a continuous vault of semicircular or pointed sections, unbroken in its length by cross vaults.; also known as a tunnel vault.

Basilica

in Roman architecture, a large meeting-hall used in public administration. Often Roman basilicas were oblong in form with aisles and galleries and an apse opposite the entrance (which may be on the long end or the short end).

Buttress

a projecting mass of masonry serving to provide additional strength for the wall as it resists the lateral thrust exerted by an arch or vault.

Castrum

Roman military camp, built on a common rectangular layout throughout the Empire. A castrum was surrounded by a rampart and a wall with towers, and crossed by two main streets, running between four gates. The headquarters (praetorium) lay at their intersection.

Concrete

artificial stone made by a mixture of specific proportions of cement, water, and aggregate, such as crushed stone and sand.

Dome

a vault of even curvature erected on a circular base.

Forum

in Roman architecture, a central open space, usually surrounded by public buildings and colonnades; corresponds to the Greek agora.

Groin vault

a vault produced by the intersection at right angles of two barrel vaults of identical shape.

Hypocaust

the underground chamber or duct of the Roman system of central heating, the floor being heated by the hot air circulating below.

Insula

an ancient Roman apartment block.

Thermae

in Roman architecture, public baths usually of great size and splendour, consisting of bathing rooms of varied heating intensity and facilities for exercise and relaxation.

Opus incertum

random facing composed of small stones; used second to first centuries BC

Opus reticulatum

small square stones set diagonally; used first century BC to first century AD

Opus testaceum

facing of flat bricks or tiles; used starting mid-first century AD

Tepidarium

room with bath of warm water

Caldarium

room with bath of hot water

Frigidarium

room with bath of cold water