Roman Architecture - Softcover

Mondadori Electa SpA

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1904313191 ISBN 13: 9781904313199

Publisher: Phaidon Press, 2004

Synopsis

This volume begins with a comparison between the Parthenon and the Pantheon, whose simplicity and dignity represented a new level of sophistication in architecture based on a system of vaults and cement construction. The first part of the book examines the practices that originated in central Italy, the great complexes of the Republican era, and the projects of the Augustan age, culminating in the layout of the Forum. This is followed by analysis of the construction method known as opus caementicium, with examples of works from the complex of Trajan's Market to projects realized by Hadrian. The author goes on to consider the Rome of late antiquity, where key buildings provide powerful examples of the complex phenomenon of Imperial Rome. The book also discusses Roman architecture in such diverse areas as Thessalonica, Ephesus, Constantinople, Nimes, Verona and Pompeii, with an overview of developments in southern Italy and the provinces.

About this title

Synopsis:

The first part of the book examines the developments that originated in central Italy. It then goes on to discuss the majestic complexes of the Republican era, and the Augustan buildings that culminated in the planning of the Roman Forum. The book explains how the Romans successfully developed and exploited a revolutionary building material called opus caementicium, a composite of stone and mortar. This material made it possible for them to effectively develop new forms of structures, such as amphitheatres, public bath-houses, villas, basilicas, and markets, which were to become essential features of many regions. The author explores Roman architecture in such diverse areas as Thessalonica, Ephesus, Constantinople, Nimes, Verona, and Pompeii, with an overview of developments in southern Italy and the provinces. He also considers the later era of ancient Rome, where key buildings provide powerful examples of the complex phenomenon of Imperial Rome.

About this edition

• Publisher: Phaidon Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1904313191
• ISBN 13: 9781904313199
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208