Roman#3

Roman Architecture Overview

• Study guide from AR. Marites G. Balmas, UAP, MSCM, REB, REA

Learning Objectives

• Categorize major texts and masterpieces of Classical Architecture.

• Distinguish and utilize fundamental design principles: design, proportion, optical corrections, and Classical Orders in structures and settlement planning.

Roman Civic Buildings

Roman Thermae

• Definition: Palatial public baths of Imperial Rome.

• Purpose: Built for washing, exercising, and socializing.

• Features:

  • Attendants including manicurists, barbers, and shampooers.

  • Rooms for lectures and athletic sports.

  • A social hub for nobles, akin to a modern club.

  • Raised on platforms with furnaces beneath.

Roman Theaters

• Adapted from Greek models.

• Auditorium: Latin term meaning "pertaining to hearing"; features semi-circular seating and roads called diazoma.

Key Parts of Roman Theater

1. Scaenae Frons: Elaborately decorated backdrop.

   • Features main entrances, often three stories high, influencing visual impact.

2. Porticulus Post Scaenam: Front part of the stage.

3. Pulpitum: Raised platform for actors, typically constructed from stone.

4. Proscaenium: Area surrounding the stage opening.

5. Orchestra: Semicircular space for distinguished guests in front of the stage.

6. Cavea: Seating sections:

   • Ima Cavea: Reserved for the upper class.

   • Media Cavea: General public seating.

   • Summa Cavea: Highest section for women and children.

7. Aditus Maximus: Side passageways for actor entry.

8. Vomitorium: Exits for large crowds in amphitheaters.

9. Praecinctio: Concentric corridor around seating for access.

Examples of Roman Theaters

1. Theater, Orange: Best-preserved Roman auditorium, holds 7,000 spectators, created under Emperor Augustus.

2. Theater of Marcellus, Rome: Only ancient theater with remaining portions, held 11,000–20,000 spectators; superimposed Doric and Ionic Orders.

Roman Amphitheaters

• Definition: Oval or round buildings used for gladiatorial contests.

• Arena: Latin for "sand," where blood was absorbed.

Example: The Colosseum

• Construction:

  • Started by Emperor Vespasian in 70 A.D., completed by Domitian in 82 A.D.

  • Capacity: 50,000 to 80,000 spectators.

• Features: Massive piers, decorative classic orders, sweeping unbroken lines.

Roman Circuses

• Derived from Greek Hippodrome, used for racing.

Example: Circus Maximus

• First and largest stadium, over 150,000 capacity, set the model for circuses.

Example: Circus of Maxentius

• Erected by Emperor Maxentius, second-largest.

Roman Triumphal Arches

• Commemorating victories; examples include:

1. Arch of Titus: Commemorates the capture of Jerusalem, single opening.

2. Arch of Septimius Severus: Triple-arch commemorating Parthian victories.

Roman Pillars of Victory

• Often referred to as Rostral Columns, celebrate naval victories.

Examples:

1. Trajan's Column: Commemorates Dacian Wars, built in 113 A.D.

2. Column of Marcus Aurelius: Commemorates victories on the Danube.

Roman Aqueducts

• Conveys water through various systems; crucial for public and private supply.

Examples:

1. Aqua Marcia: Supplied large quantities of water, built between 144-140 B.C.

2. Aqua Claudia: Constructed 38-52 A.D., considered one of the finest.

Roman Tombs

• Columbaria: Subterranean vaults for ashes.

• Sarcophagi: Architectural compartments for burials.

• Monumental Tombs: Tower-shaped structures for high-status individuals.

Roman Fountains

• Features spacious designs that provide cooling effects in urban areas.