Roman Architecture Flashcards
Why was there diversity in architectural production?
Aristocratic competition and military victories in Greece
What were notable elements of roman architecture?
Concrete substructures and innovative use of arch
What was the forum romanum?
Public square where business was conducted and people met (public funeral, games, speeches, religious rites, public trails, etc.)
First two republican temples?
Temple of Saturn and Temple of Castor and Pollux
- Structure connected with augural practices and estrusco-italic architecture
What was the purpose of the forum?
Northwest sector: erection of status of individuals
Monuments with rostra were to commemorate victories
Military and political self-advertisement
What was the boundary between public and private spaces?
Blurry, the forum would surround aristocratic houses in 3rd century BCE
What happened to the forum?
Major swept the north side during Nero’s rule - many believed he ordered the fire himself
- Remaining houses purchased and replaced by basilicas
What were manubial temples?
Temples dedicated privately from proceeds of war
- Means to advertise individual military achievements
- Manubial temples eventually packed the triumphal route from campus martius to porta triumphalis
What are arches?
Honorific arch as a means of self-commemoration standing alongside triumphal route, could also support signa (statues)
- However, they were not decorated with reliefs or triumphal chariots
What was the significance of tombs?
- Competitive self-advertisement
- Ensure one’s memory lived on
- Monumental tombs started from the mid-Republic
Difference between rich and poor tombs?
- Wealthy tombs were alongside roads leading out of the city
- Lower status individuals used tombs to commemorate life and profession
What was the structure of theatres?
- Integrated cavea (seats) and stage (pulpitum)
- Low stage to allow good view for senators
- Possible made the audience feel awed
What is the earliest known standing theatre?
Theatre of Pompey, included statues commemorating Pompey’s victories
How did houses reflect the conservative ideology of equality among Romans?
They were all similar in dimensions and configuration
What examples of houses and villas are there as examples for Roman architecture?
- House of Sallust in Pompeii
- Villa Romana del Casale in Sicilia, Piazza Armerina
