Roman Art/Architecture

Question 1

Roman Arch

Answer 1

Strength, stability, decoration. Angled bricks curved into middle and weight spread down sides. Keystone locks into place. Arch extended is a barrel vault, crossed over is groin vault. Not common in Greek architecture - developed by Estrucans from Northern Italy

Question 2

When was Pont Du Gard built

Answer 2

20-16 BCE

Question 3

Pont Du Gard purpose

Answer 3

Designed to transport water from the Fountain D’Eure near Uzes to city of Nemausus South of France

Question 4

Pont Du Gard Architect

Answer 4

Not certain who built it, carved figure on arch

Question 5

Measurements Pont du Gard

Answer 5

50m high, 275m long, 1:3000 gradient. Arches - Level 1 = 6 level 2 = 11 level 3 = originally 47 now 35

Question 6

Challenges

Answer 6

River erosion = two central arches on level 1 are wider and built on rock. Force of wind = smaller arches on level 3. Weight = vault system

Question 7

Repairs

Answer 7

Corbels in stonework so when repairs needed timber frame can be attached

Question 8

Colosseum date and location

Answer 8

Started in 75AD on Nero’s private lake in Rome.

Question 9

Colosseum Purpose

Answer 9

Idea of Roman Emperor Vespasian to provide an entertainment venue and gain support of Roman People

Question 10

Entrances and measurements

Answer 10

80 entrances some reserved for imperial family. Spiral and vaulted walkways allow easy entry/exit. 48.5m tall and 50-80,000 spectators

Question 11

Seating

Answer 11

Best seats were for imperial family. Level 1 = senators 2 = equestrians 3&4 = ordinary citizens 5 = slaves, poorer classes, women. All marble except for 5, made of wood

Question 12

Colosseum Arches and columns

Answer 12

Barrel vaults stretch from inside to out. Originally statues in between arches on level 2 and 3 for decoration. Level 1 = 7.5m doric columns 2 = 6.45m ionic columns 3 = 6.4m engaged corinthian columns 4= 6.4m corinthian pilasters (rectangular engaged columns)

Question 13

Hypogeum

Answer 13

32 animal pens. Control trapdoors in arena. Tunnels to outside buildings. Was not part of the original design and was added later. Elevators used counter-balancing weight to lift animals. Slaves worked there.

Question 14

Velarium

Answer 14

Temperature could reach 40 degrees in hotter months. Poles holding ropes provided shading for 2/3 of seating

Question 15

Entertainment functions

Answer 15

Gladiatorial battles. Men vs wild animals. Mock naval battles - arena flooded. Executions. 100 days of inaugural games when arena opened saw 5000 dead animals

Question 16

Removing Lake

Answer 16

Trench nearly 50m wide and 6m below lake bed. Drained water into lake Tiber. Drains 3km long with 2 1/2 % gradient so rain doesn’t re-flood arena

Question 17

Propoganda

Answer 17

Romans technological genius to impress locals and discourage rebellions. Reinforcement of social classes - heirachy seating. Mastery of roman world - engineering feat/spectacle