BARREL VAULT GROIN VAULT

Formed by a single continuous curve Intersection of two barrel vaults at right angles
Covers long,narrow spaces like corridors Commonly used in square or rectangular spaces
Relies on compressive strength of materials provides additional support and safety

ROMAN CONCRETE
Roman concrete was made up of lime, volcanic ash, aggregate, and water.

Roman concrete possessed several notable properties

1. Strength: Roman concrete exhibited impressive compressive strength, allowing it to withstand

heavy loads without significant deformation .

2. Durability: Remaining resilient in harsh environmental conditions, including exposure to

seawater and freeze-thaw cycles. Its resistance to chemical erosion made it suitable for marine
structures such as harbors, piers, and breakwaters.

3. Hydraulicity: Roman concrete possessed hydraulic properties, enabling it to set and harden
underwater or in wet conditions. This hydraulicity was derived from the presence of pozzolanic
materials, such as volcanic ash, which reacted with lime to form cementitious compounds
capable of curing in the presence of water.

4. Workability: Roman concrete exhibited good workability, allowing it to be easily molded,

poured, and shaped into various forms and structures. Its plasticity when freshly mixed enabled
intricate architectural designs such as formwork and molding.

5. Self-Healing: Roman concrete had the ability to self-heal cracks over time due to the formation
of secondary minerals, such as calcium carbonate, within the matrix. This phenomenon
contributed to the long-term stability and resilience of Roman concrete structures.
 ROMAN WALLS
1. Opus incertum
2. Opus reticulatum
3. Opus testaceum

Opus incertum:

 Irregular masonry with small, uneven stones.

 Stones set in mortar with gaps between them.
 Creates a rough, textured surface.
 Often used in early Roman walls.

Opus reticulatum:

 Masonry with diamond-shaped or pyramidal stones.

 Stones set in a diagonal pattern within mortar.
 Forms a net-like or diamond-shaped pattern.
 Commonly used in late Roman monumental buildings.

Opus testaceum:

 Masonry composed exclusively of bricks.

 Bricks set in a regular pattern within mortar.
 Results in a smoother, more uniform appearance.
 Frequently used in Roman architecture for walls, vaults, and arches.

General characteristics of Roman Architecture

 It is practical and utilitarian
 Interest in public works and engineering
 Monumentality
 Great technical advances –
 Colossal - to show Roman power
 Special importance for the internal space
 Buildings are integrated in the urban space
 It is commemorative and propagandis
 ROMAN ORDERS

 The Romans adopted the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders and modified them to produce
the Tuscan order, which is a simplified form of the Doric, and the Composite order, which is
a combination of the Ionic and Corinthian orders.
 The Romans also favored monolithic columns rather than the Greek approach of using
several drums stacked on top of each other.

Columns continued to be used Columns could be detached Columns could become a part of
even when they were no longer from the building yet remain the wall itself (engaged
structurally necessary. This was attached to the façade at the columns) and function as pure
to give buildings a traditional base and entablature decoration,
and familiar look freestanding columns the upper floors of the
the front of the Pantheon Hadrian’s Library in Athens Colosseum exterior
Superposed order is one where successive storeys of a building have different orders. In Colosseum
on the ground level the order is Doric; on the next level it is Ionic; on the third, Corinthian; and the top
story has pilasters (attached rectangular columns), also of the Corinthian order.

ROMAN DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE

Early Etruscan Dwellings:

The homes of the early Etruscans, predecessors of the Romans, were simple, even for the wealthy or
ruling classes.

• They were small familiar huts constructed on the axial plan of a central hall with an open skylight.
• The huts were probably made of mud and wood with thatched roofs and a center opening for the
hearth's smoke to escape.

• This could have been the beginnings of the atrium, which was common in later homes.

1) DOMUS
▪ In ancient Rome, the domus was the type of house occupied by the upper classes and some
wealthy freedmen during the Republican and Imperial eras

▪ Domestic > domesticus > domus

PLAN OF DOMUS

1. Fauces: Entrance corridor leading from the main doorway, serving as a transitional space.
2. Tabernae referred to small rooms or shops located on the ground floor, typically facing the
street
3. Atrium: Central open-air space at the heart of the house, gathering area for the family and
guests.
4. Impluvium: Shallow pool in the atrium collecting rainwater, with practical and symbolic
significance.
5. Tablinum: Formal reception room or study opposite the atrium entrance, serving as the
master's office.
6. Peristyle: Open courtyard or garden at the rear of the house, providing a private outdoor space
for relaxation and recreation
7. Triclinium: Dining room furnished with banquet couches for formal dining and entertainment.
8. Ala: Wing or alcove branching off the atrium, used for reception or display.
9. Cubiculum: Small private room or bedroom for sleeping and relaxation.
 2)INSULA
▪The large apartment blocks for the less well-off city-dwellers.

▪ constructed in brick, concrete, and wood

▪sometimes had balconies and were prone to fire and collapse.

▪ height restrictions averaging four to five stories.

FLOORS OF INSULA

An insula was a multi-story apartment building in ancient Rome, typically housing

multiple families.

1. Ground Floor (Pistrinum): Commercial spaces such as shops or bakeries open onto the street.

2. Intermediate Floors (Municipium): Living quarters for residents, consisting of apartments or

rooms.

3. Upper Floors (Cenacula): Typically smaller and less desirable living spaces, often housing lower-
income residents or servants.
 3)VILLA
▪ A villa was originally a Roman country house built for the upper class.

▪ Traditional villas were located up on hills where the climate is cooler and the elevation gives the
owner perspective as well as protection.

▪ the ideal villa is internally divided into two zones: the urbane zone for enjoying life (pars urbana) and
the productive area (pars rustica).

Villa urbana:

1. Luxurious urban residences with ornate decorations and lavish amenities, symbolizing wealth
and status.

2. Centers for leisure and entertainment, featuring elegant gardens and hosting social events.

3. Offered a luxurious lifestyle for affluent Romans, providing a retreat from urban life with grand
architecture.

Villa rustica:

1. Rural agricultural estates focused on farming and production.

2. Characterized by practical structures like barns and granaries.

3. Provided housing for farmworkers and supported food and goods production.
 GOLDEN HOUSE OF NERO
1. Central Axis: The Golden House was organized around a central axis that ran from north to
south, dividing the complex into distinct sections. This axis served as the primary circulation
route through the palace, connecting various rooms, halls, and gardens.

2. Octagonal Hall (Domus Aurea Rotunda): At the northern end of the central axis stood the iconic
octagonal hall, Domus Aurea Rotunda. This immense circular room featured a large central
dome and served as the focal point of the palace, showcasing Nero's architectural innovation
and artistic vision.

3. Living Quarters: Flanking the central axis were opulent living quarters, reception rooms, and
ceremonial spaces designed for entertaining guests and conducting official business. These
rooms were lavishly decorated with marble, frescoes, and intricate stucco work, reflecting
Nero's extravagant lifestyle and taste for luxury.

4. Gardens and Outdoor Spaces: Surrounding the central axis were sprawling landscaped gardens,
artificial lakes, and outdoor pavilions. These meticulously designed outdoor spaces provided a
tranquil retreat for Nero and his guests, featuring lush vegetation, water features, and shaded
walkways.

5. Baths and Thermal Complex: Adjacent to the living quarters were luxurious thermal baths
equipped with elaborate heating systems, marble-clad pools, and mosaic floors. These baths
were a testament to Nero's penchant for indulgence and leisure, offering a space for relaxation
and rejuvenation.

6. Subterranean Passages and Chambers: Beneath the Golden House were a network of
subterranean passages, chambers, and service areas used for storage, service functions, and
circulation. These underground spaces supported the functioning of the palace and provided
access to various parts of the complex.
 HADRIANS VILLA
1. Grand Scale: The Villa Hadriana was one of the largest and most luxurious imperial residences in
the Roman Empire, covering an area of over 120 hectares (300 acres) and featuring more than
30 buildings, including palaces, temples, theaters, and baths.

2. Architectural Diversity: The complex exhibited a diverse range of architectural styles and
influences, incorporating elements of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Near Eastern architecture.
This eclectic mix reflected Hadrian's appreciation for different cultures and his desire to create a
cosmopolitan retreat.

3. Villa Maritime: One of the most striking features of the Villa Hadriana was the Canopus, a large
rectangular pool surrounded by colonnades, statues, and lush gardens. Inspired by the
sanctuary of Serapis in Alexandria, Egypt, the Canopus served as a symbolic representation of
Hadrian's travels and imperial power.

4. Imperial Palace: At the heart of the complex was the Imperial Palace, a grand residence for
Hadrian and his court, featuring luxurious living quarters, reception halls, and private gardens.
The palace showcased opulent decorations, including marble floors, frescoes, and elaborate
mosaics.

5. Greek and Latin Libraries: The Villa Hadriana contained two renowned libraries, the Greek
Library and the Latin Library, which housed extensive collections of books and manuscripts.
These libraries served as centers of scholarship and learning, reflecting Hadrian's intellectual
interests and patronage of the arts.

6. Theatrical Complex: The villa included a theatrical complex with several theaters and
amphitheaters, including the Grand Thermae, a large bathhouse complex with multiple pools,
saunas, and exercise rooms. These recreational facilities provided entertainment and relaxation
for Hadrian and his guests.
1. Kingdom (753–509 BCE): Rome's legendary founding date is traditionally placed in 753 BCE,
when Romulus established the city and became its first king. The Roman Kingdom was ruled by a
series of monarchs, with Romulus as the first king and Tarquinius Superbus as the last. The
monarchy was characterized by a system of absolute rule and hereditary succession, with the
king serving as both the political and religious leader of the city.

2. Republic (509–27 BCE): In 509 BCE, Rome overthrew the monarchy and established a republic,
marking the beginning of a new era in Roman history. The Roman Republic was characterized by
a system of checks and balances, with power divided among elected officials, legislative bodies,
and the Senate. The Republic expanded its territory through conquest and colonization,
establishing a vast empire across the Mediterranean region. Notable events during the Republic
include the Punic Wars, the rise of Julius Caesar, and the transition from republic to empire.

3. Empire (27 BCE–476 CE): The Roman Empire began in 27 BCE with the establishment of the
principate under Emperor Augustus (formerly known as Octavian), who became the first Roman
emperor. The Empire was characterized by centralized authority, with the emperor wielding
significant power as both the political and military leader of Rome. The period of the Roman
Empire saw further territorial expansion, as well as significant achievements in architecture,
engineering, law, and culture. The Empire reached its peak during the reign of Emperor Trajan in
the 2nd century CE but gradually declined due to internal strife, economic instability, and
external invasions. The Western Roman Empire fell in 476 CE, marking the end of ancient Rome.