MJ

Lecture 7

Attendance

  • Students present: Andrew, Isaiah, Justice, Lee, Caitlin, Mackenzie, Ava, Kiana, Lily, Grace, Mimi

Overview of Previous Lecture

Introduction to Romans

  • Discussion about the Etruscans and the Romans.

  • Mentioned the extension of the Roman Empire over approximately 800-900 years, leading to a split after 300 years.

  • Notable Event: Fall of the Roman Empire in April.

The Etruscans

  • Territorial Extent: Covered discussion of cities and citadels (e.g., Arks in Etruscan cities).

  • Example of still existing structures: Walls of Perugia and the Augustan Arch of Perugia.

  • Chivita de Vaanareggio: Noted as another location of interest.

  • Housing: Discussion on family tombs termed "tumuli," characterized as round and serving as multiple-person burial sites.

Etruscan Temples

  • Comparison with Greek temples; Etruscan temples featured gabled roofs (defined as roofs inclined from the center forming a triangular facade).

  • Introduction of the Etruscan Order: Explanation of differences in structural plans between Etruscan and Greek temples.

Roman Influence

Origin of the Term 'Latin'

  • Defined Latium: The region inhabited by Latin-speaking people, leading to the term "Latin" for the language.

  • Language Derivatives: Discussion of Romance languages including French, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, and Romanian, all of which derive from Latin.

  • Difference between Hispanic and Latino:

    • Hispanic pertains to Spanish-speaking countries.

    • Latino encompasses all Latin-derived languages.

Expansion of Romans and Architecture

  • Romans inherited construction techniques from the Etruscans but refined and systematized them.

  • Use of Arches: Roman arches were round and self-supporting without adhesive due to keystone placement.

  • Specific structures discussed: barrel vaults (tunnels made of arches) and the technique of opus caementicium (Roman concrete), which incorporated volcanic ash (pozzolana) to create durable materials similar to stone.

Roman Urban Planning

  • Reference to the Hypoedamian Plan: Adapting street layouts similar to previous civilizations (Egypt and Greece) but with distinctive features.

  • Naming of streets: North-South streets called Cardines, East-West streets called Koumani, with main thoroughfares designated as Via Maximus and Via Paredo Maxima.

Comparison to Florence

  • Modern-day illustration of Florence, showcasing remnants of Roman grid layout.

  • Discussion of Centuriation: An ancient land measurement term that evolved from agricultural uses to designate military and urban areas.

  • The castra: Basic military post structure leading to derived words like castle in various languages.

The Forum in Roman Cities

  • Definition of Forum: The social center of Roman cities, comprising multiple buildings (social, judicial, and religious).

  • Example of a modern forum vs. ancient: Both serve as gathering points for discussion and community.

Mussolini and Roman Antiquity

  • Benito Mussolini's fascination with recreating Roman grandeur in the 1930s, including a historically grand model of Ancient Rome.

  • Mention of the Imperial Fora: A collection of fora, or public squares, including significant constructions like the Forum of Trajan and Forum of Augustus, emphasizing social gathering spaces.

Basilica and Its Evolution

  • Definition and role of the Basilica: Originally a civil building for social and judicial purposes, evolving into religious structures over time.

  • Separation from temples, the scholarly definition of basilica as a civil building (not religious initially).

  • Example of the Basilica of Maxentius & Basilica of Ulpia: Specification of structures within them for public use and network.

Roman Domestic Architecture

Types of Dwellings

  • Insula: Apartment-like structures for the common population, with various levels of luxury depending on floor height.

  • Domus: Traditional family home operating as single-family dwellings reflecting more wealth.

    • Rooms: Atrium (reception area), Tablinium (main area), Cubiculum (bedrooms), and Triclinium (dining area).

  • Villa: Larger estates typically hosting gardens or farming land, showcased within Roman society.

Pompeii

  • Historical significance due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius preserving the city under volcanic ash rather than lava.

  • Mentioned archaeological efforts and models of the city layout, focusing on community venues and residential structures.

  • Villa of the Mysteries: Noted for its intricate wall frescoes, revealing aspects of Roman culture and ceremonial practices.

Fresco Art in Roman Architecture

  • Definition of Frescoes: Paintings on wet plaster walls, preserved by careful transfer methods.

  • Architectural illusionism: Technique used in frescoes to create depth and perspective enhancing the viewer's experience.

  • Importance in expressing personal identity and cultural values through residential wall ornamentation.

Architectural Techniques and Innovations

The Pantheon

  • Discussed structure and significance of the Pantheon: a temple dedicated to all celestial gods, characterized by a unique circular style and innovative dome.

  • Explanation of structural features: dome construction without a typical keystone and reliance on the oculus for light.

  • Details on architectural elements like coffers and the use of materials that created lighter structures (i.e., lighter materials) to prevent collapse.