ROME LOCATION • Emerging from a small agricultural community in central Italy, the city of Rome was traditionally founded in 753 BC. • In 509 BC it became a Republic, whose power grew until it embraced the entire Mediterranean world. • The Republic collapsed in bloody civil war during the First Century BC, and in 27 BC the history of Rome entered a new phase with the founding of the Empire. • The city of Rome is located in central Italy, but the empire it came to rule covered the entire Mediterranean basin, together with much of western Europe. • At its greatest extent in stretched from present-day northern England to southern Egypt, and from the Atlantic coast of Portugal to the Iraqi shores of the Persian Gulf. • Rome’s location in central Italy placed it squarely within a cultural environment dominated by a cluster of interlinked Mediterranean civilizations, the most famous of these was that of the ancient greeks. • In its early centuries Rome was particularly influenced by the powerful Etruscan civilization to its north, from which it acquired many aspects of its culture. • As Rome’s reach extended throughout the Italian peninsula it came into direct contact with the Greek cities to the south. • From then on Greek influence would become an increasingly important element within Roman life. However, the Romans would give Greek culture their own slant, giving it a new grandeur which can be seen in Roman remains throughout the empire. AD 200,Extent of the roman empire Source: ancienthistory.about.com MAPS : Ancient Rome 200 BC. The Roman Empire AD200. Ancient Rome 30 BC. The Roman Empire AD500 Source: www.timemaps.com MAPS: SHOWING EXPANSION • In the 200 BC Rome became the leading power in western Mediterranean. • In 30 BC ancient Rome dominates the Mediterranean. • In AD 500 the roman empire now overrun by the German tribes in the west ,the empire has now decreased in size however cultural influence remains the same. • EXPANSION OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE: Map of extent of roman empire Expansion of the roman power Expansion during republic Source: www.timemaps.com IMPACT OF CITY PLANNING IN NEIGHBORING STATES • Elements of modern city planning can be traced to Roman concepts. • The Romans engaged in extensive city-building activities as they consolidated their empire. • Roman military and colonial towns were laid out in a variation of highly planned grid. • Developments in the architecture of fortification, relating to compact space and fast manoeuvrability, and the discovery of perspective, focusing the description on the eye of the viewer, led to radial focus in city plans and the development of ideal town plans. • Many European cities, like London and Paris , sprang from these Roman origins. • Similarly, in Washington DC , building designs were derived from Roman styles (Reid, 1998). • The legacy of Rome has clearly left lasting impacts on numerous aspects of modern society. Many things in everyday life can be traced to Roman origins, such as components of language, architecture, art, and Western government. The implications of Roman influences in today's society are clearly significant and far reaching. Source: www.danxner.com SIGNIFICANCE • • • • The Romans are still remembered today, including names such as Julius Caesar, Cicero, and Augustus. Ancient Roman society contributed greatly to government, law, politics, engineering, art, literature, architecture, technology, warfare, religion, language, society and more in the Western world. Rome greatly expanded its military and created a system of government called res public, the inspiration for modern republics such as the United States and France. It achieved impressive technological and architectural feats, such as the construction of an extensive system of aqueducts and roads, as well as large monuments, palaces, and public facilities. Aqueduct: Pont tu gard Roman street in pompeii SIGNIFICANCE • Ancient Roman architecture adopted many different aspects of Ancient Greek architecture, creating new architectural style. • Etruscan neighbors and forefathers supplied them with a wealth of knowledge essential for future architectural solutions, such as hydraulics in the construction of arches. • The Romans absorbed the Greek Architectural influence both directly (e.g. Magna Grecia) and indirectly , the influence is evident in many ways; for example, in the introduction and use of the Triclinium in Roman villas as a place and manner of dining. • The Ancient Romans were responsible for significant developments in housing and public hygiene, for example their public and private baths and latrines, under-floor heating in the form of the hypocaust, mica glazing (examples in Ostia Antica, and piped hot and cold water. • Ancient Rome is known to have had elaborated, massive and beautiful houses and buildings. An Insula dating from early 2nd century AD Remains of baths of trajan HISTORICAL BACKGROUND • Rome is one of the oldest named cities in the world. • The history of Rome spans 2,766 years. • It grew from a small Latin village in the 8th century BC into the centre of a vast civilization that dominated the Mediterranean region for centuries. • Ancient Rome was founded by the two brothers, Romulus and Remus. The legend claims that, in an argument over who would rule the city Romulus killed Remus and named the city after himself. • Rome became the capital of a reunited Italy in the late 19th century. • During these twelve centuries, the Roman government evolved from a kingdom to a republic, and finally to an empire. • Greek culture and civilization, which came to Rome via Greek colonies to the south. • The Etruscans, to the north, provided a model for trade and urban luxury. • Etruria was also well situated for trade and the early Romans either learned the skills of trade from Etruscan. • The Kingdom of Rome grew rapidly from a trading town to a prosperous city between the 8th and 6th centuries BCE. • The end of Roman history, was in 476 A.D. when the last emperor of Rome surrendered Italy to king Odoacer. Rome Timeline Roman Kingdom and Republic 753 BC 753–509 BC According to legend, Romulus founds Rome. Rule of the seven Kings of Rome. 509 BC Creation of the Republic. 390 BC The Gauls invade Rome. Rome sacked. 264-146 BC Punic Wars. 146-44 BC Social and Civil Wars. Emergence of Marius,Sulla, Pompey and Caesar. 44 BC Julius Caesar assassinated. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Date 753 BC Event Rome is founded 509 BC Rome was founded by Romulus. Romulus was the first of the seven Roman kings. The original name of Rome was Roma. Rome becomes a Republic 218 BC The last king is expelled and Rome is now ruled by senators. There is a constitution with laws and Rome becomes a complex republican government. Hannibal invades Italy 45 BC Hannibal leads the Carthage army to attack Italy. This becomes part of the Second Punic War. Julius Caesar becomes the first dictator of Rome Julius Caesar defeats Pompey in a civil war. He becomes the supreme ruler of Rome. This is the end of the Roman Republic. He hires Sosigenes, an Egyptian astronomer, to work out a new 12 month calendar. 44 BC Julius Caesar is assassinated 27 BC Julius Caesar is assassinated on the Ides of March by Marcus Brutus. They hope to bring back the republic, but civil war breaks out instead. Roman Empire begins 64 Octavius appoints himself "Augustus", which means the first emperor. Much of Rome burns Nero set fire to Rome and blames the Christians for it. 80 Colosseum is built The Colosseum was built in 80 AD. The completion of the Colosseum was celebrated with 100 days of games. The Romans invade Scotland. 122 Hadrian Wall is built The Hadrian Wall was built in 122 AD. It was a long wall built across northern England in an effort to keep the barbarians out. 306 Constantine becomes Emperor in 306 AD Rome becomes a Christian empire. Before this, Rome persecuted the Christians. Constantius dies. His son Constantine is the new vice-emperor of Galerius. 380 Christianity Theodosius I proclaims Christianity as the sole religion of the Roman Empire in 380 AD. 395 Rome splits 410 In 395 AD, Rome split into two empires - the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire. Each side had a ruler in chargesack of it.Rome The Roman Empire was split by Theodosius. The Visigoths This was the first time in 800 years that the city of Rome has fallen to an enemy. It was a huge uproar. 476 End of the Western Roman Empire and the fall of Ancient Rome 1453 The last Roman Emperor Romulus Augustus is defeated by the German Goth Odoacer. This is the start of the Dark Ages in Europe. The Byzantine Empire ends HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Sources:• • • http://www.worldology.com/Europe/roman_dominance.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Rome http://www.ancient.eu.com/Rome/ Geography/natural resources • The Apennine Mountain stretches from north to south. • The three major water bodies surrounding Italy are the Adriatic sea, the Ionian sea and the Mediterranean sea. • The Tiber river cut through the central Italy. • Romans developed many trade routes to other regions in the Mediterranean region. • Greece is only 50 miles away, across the Adriatic Sea, and Africa is only 100 miles from the west coast of Sicily. • SOURCE: http://smithslatin.weebly.com/uploads/5/3/8/2/5382199/geography_of_ancien t_rome0001.pdf Culture and it impact on Architecture and City Planning The culture of ancient Rome existed throughout the almost 1200-year history of the civilization of Ancient Rome. Language: The native language of the Romans was Latin. Religion: Unlike in Greek mythology, the gods were not personified, but were vaguely defined sacred spirits called numina. Romans also believed that every person, place or thing had its own genius, or divine soul. Art and literature: Roman painting styles show Greek influences, and surviving examples are primarily frescoes used to adorn the walls and ceilings of country villas, though Roman literature includes mentions of paintings on wood, ivory, and other materials. Several examples of Roman painting have been found at Pompeii, and from these art historians divide the history of Roman painting into four periods. Cuisine: Ancient Roman cuisine changed over the long duration of this ancient civilization. Dietary habits were affected by : the influence of Greek culture, the political changes from kingdom to republic to empire, and empire's enormous expansion, which exposed Romans to many new, provincial culinary habits and cooking techniques. Dionysiac Frieze,Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii, Second Style, 60-50 BC A still life with fruit basket and vases (Pompeii, c. AD 70). Political background (Architecture and Planning reflecting political systems) w.r.t political relations to other states Etruscan and early Roman: • In sixth century, under the influence of Greek and other traders, houses of Greek megaron type seem to have appeared, to be followed by larger houses for the richer people in the community. • Temples began to show Greek influence in having buildings within the enclosure to house the god or cult image. Late Republican and Early Imperial Roman: (early 2nd century BC) Architecturally, the changes might be summarized as an introduction to • New proportions relating to use of materials • The adoption of the Classical Greek orders • Wide spread use of vaulted and domed forms. Later Imperial Roman: • The principal innovations of the next century were in spatial planning and were made possible by mastery of concrete for vaulting. • Alongside these developments there were further changes in town planning. • The beginning made by Augustus on construction of forum was carried further. Aula Palatina (Basilica), Trier (Germany), Roman, Late Imperial period, c. 310 AD Source: book of history of architecture part1 Technological achievement and its reflection in planning • The roman empire had one of the most advanced set of technologies of its time, some of which was lost during the turbulent eras of late antiquity and the early middle ages. • Gradually, some of the technological feats of the Romans were rediscovered and/or improved upon, while others went ahead of what the Romans had done during the middle ages and the beginning of the modern era. • Several Roman technological feats in different areas like civil engineering, construction materials, transport technology, and some inventions such as the mechanical reaper, were surprising achievements until the 19th century, and some, such as the arch, have remained untouched to this day. • The Romans achieved high levels of technology in some part because they borrowed from and absorbed the culture of the established people of the Mediterranean basin Engineering • The biggest and probably the most important engineering feat the Romans achieved was the construction of aqueducts. • These aqueducts were used for two crucial purposes among others, water supply and water flow out. • Water for everyday use for private and public washrooms, fountains, etc., was diverted in from nearby rivers and lakes, and the waste water (primarily sewage) from the city was channeled out to far-away water bodies. • These aqueducts later formed the technical base for the invention and use of artificial canals and piped-water supply. •The Romans brought in the concept of building domes - a spacious and inexpensive alternative to the tedious number of columns needed to support a heavy roof. • The Romans also discovered concrete - a faster drying and waterproof material than the concrete used earlier. • The traditional concrete mix of limestone and sand was mixed with pozzolana (a form of ash-sand material found near volcanoes). •This new mix was stronger, more reliable, cemented quickly, and could be molded into any shape required. ARCHITECTURE It is not for nothing that it is said "Rome was not built in a day." It clearly took years of brainstorming and planning to make the city the most visitable brand. Roman architectural grandiose did not stay limited to Rome. It expanded to Italy, Spain, Austria, Portugal, and even England. The Romans combined their aesthetics with those of their neighbors - the Greeks and Etruscans, to form a completely new style of architecture, which has come to be known as 'Ancient Roman Architecture'. The Colosseum, built between 72 AD - 80 AD, is often considered as the finest manifestation of the enormity of Roman architectural mindset. It was used for gladiatorial battles and other public events. Architectural character of the cities • Ancient Roman architecture adopted many different aspects of Ancient Greek architecture, creating a new architectural style • The Romans absorbed the Greek Architectural . • The Romans were also known to employ Greek craftsmen and engineers to construct Roman buildings.. • The aqueducts of Rome, the Baths of Diocletian and the Baths of Caracalla, the basilicas and Colosseum are the examples of famous works in construction HOUSING: • The Ancient Romans were responsible for significant developments in housing and public hygiene, for example their public and private baths and latrines, under-floor heating in the form of the hypocaust, mica glazing (examples in Ostia Antica), and piped hot and cold water (examples in Pompeii and Ostia). • Windows were mostly small, facing the street, with iron security bars. External walls were in "Opus Reticulatum" and interiors in "Opus Incertum", which would then be plastered and sometimes painted. Source :www.romanarchitecture.com FAMOUS STRUCTURES: Theatres & Amphitheatres Roman theatres have specific differences, such as being built upon their own foundations instead of earthen works or a hillside . Triumphal arch The triumphal arch, with a single, double, or triple for entrance. Basilicas The inside of a basilica a big hall column down the sides to make aisles and floor of different type of marble Source :www.romanarchitecture.com ARCH AND DOME: • The principal building materials of ancient Rome were stone and concrete. • The dome permitted construction of vaultedceilings without crossbeams and provided large covered public space such as baths and basilicas. • The Romans were the first civilization to fully exploit arched construction, in which a roof is supported by arches (as opposed to post-and-beam construction, in which a roof sits directly on columns) OTHER FEATURES: • Urban divisions were originally street blocks, and later began to divide into smaller divisions, the word insula referring to both blocks and smaller divisions. • The insula contained , storage rooms under the stairs, and lower floor shops. • cenaculum, an apartment, divided into three individual rooms: cubiculum, exedra, and medianum . • Common Roman apartments were mainly masses of smaller and larger structures, many with narrow balconies that present mysteries as to their use, having no doors to access them. Source :www.romanarchitecture.com Evolution of planning w.r.t examples of different towns • Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world and it has a particular urban development during its historical evolution. • According to legend Rome was founded in 753 BC on seven hills. • The city headed to decline during the Middle ages after the fall of the holy Roman Empire. Depopulation greatly reduced the number of inhabitants who concentrated near the river banks. • However, during the 15th-17th centuries, Rome regained its luster as the popes were engaged in improving the city conditions as a mark of their power. • In the late 18th century after the Italian unification , Rome became the capital of Italy. This implied a proper urban revolution and development. • The typical Roman city of the later Republic and empire had a rectangular plan and resembled a Roman military camp with two main streets: 1.The Cardo (north-south) 2.The Decumanus (east-west) • Older cities, such as Rome itself, founded before the adoption of regularized city planning however, consisted of a maze of crooked streets. The typical features found in roman city planning are - forums, basilicas, Roman temples, commemorative structures, paved roads, public baths, aqua ducts. • The forum, an open area bordered by colonnades with shops, functioned as the chief meeting place of the town. • It was also the site of the city's primary religious and civic buildings, among them the Senate house, records office, and basilica. Town planning: example 1 - POMPEII • • • • • • • Many of its building can be dated more or less roughly by the style of their ornament or material used. Pompeii is an irregular oval area of 160 acres planted on small natural hill and has stone wall nearly 2 miles in circumference. Original access to sea on west side and walls have disappeared. It has forum with principle temples and public buildings around it. At east side from west extremity nearly 1200yds is the amphitheatre. Two main streets now called as strada di nola and strada dell cross the town from sw to ne and and other from nw to se.Third main street was strada stabiana which conects from vesuvian to stabian gate. There is symmetry in streets and hardly any right angle found on streets corner. SOURCE : ancient town planning pdf • Region vi fits very ill with region i and iii, bt both indicates systematic planing as vi has oblong blocks 11oft wide and 310ft long and i and iii are made approximately square of 200ft. • Town planing of pompeii is trapezoidal bt not retangular. • The city was has logical grid line plan that was divided into several zoned sections – • the main roads named the upper and lower decumanus and cardo maxiumus. • Sections were zoned as our own cities are today, with a forum (civic areas and shopping centers,) residential quadrants, entertainment areas with theaters and amphitheaters and combined areas. • The city plan is evolved from both greek and etruscan culture's plans THE WALLS OF POMPEII: • The city was surrounded by defensive walls throughout the history of it. • These defensive walls had 8 gateways which were decorated with statues to impress the visitors and 12 watchtowers. • The wall was double stone structure which ran from 3 ½ kms around the town. The space between the double stone walls was filled with rubble. SOURCE : AD79 eruption ROADS OF POMPEII: •The town was planned in grid system. •These girds were marked by roads. •“Decumani” were the roads that ran east to west while “Cardines” were the roads that ran north to south. •These roads met at right angles. Shrines and water fountains were often placed at these cross roads. •Even in Pompeii on can find the roads made by using roman technique with polygonal blocks and footpath on both sides. •The roads were sloping towards the sides allowing excess water to drain off. Footpath were higher in level and there were stepping stones to keep one’s fee off the debris. These stepping stones had gaps so wheels of cart would pass. Source: en.wikipedia.org, dogsofpompeii.com, plansandstreetcapeinformation.pdf, townplanninginpompeiiandherculaneum.pdf WATER SUPPLY • The early inhabitants of Pompeii mainly depended on river samo and deep wells for there water supply. • At the time of Augustus, the imperial aqueduct at Misenum had a branch Serino aqueduct which was built to supply Pompeii. • The water from this duct went to the main tank near Vesuvian gate from were in siphoned off into three main pipes that fed different areas of the city like latrines, baths, public fountains and private homes. Since the health hazards were unknown lead pipes were used. Serino aqueduct (Aqua Augusta) WATER TOWER OR MAIN TANK (castellum aquae) Three main lend pipes Public baths Public Fountains (42) Private homes and Latrines Source: panoramio.com freephotooftheday.com, plansandstreetcapeinformation.pdf, townplanninginpompeiiandherculaneum.pdf FORUM OF POMPEII • When the city of Pompeii was first founded the Forum was a small market, and it achieved its definitive size during the course of second century B.C. • It was situated at the unction of two important roads routes that linked Pompeii to Naples, Nola, and Stabiae. • Though the forum was on the outskirts of the city it still played important role in the political , religious and economic life of the city. A- municipal buildings B-Basilica C-temple of Apollo D-the grain market and warehouse E-honorary arches F-temple of Jupiter G-food market H-sanctuary of lares Publici I- temple of Vespasian J-building of Eumachia K-wool market Source: www.ancientworlds.net, dogsofpompeii.com • • • Triumphal arch (herculaneum arch) Situated on northwest side of city walls. It consists of 3 passageways, the central one for vehicles while the two flanking archways for pedestrians. • Served as entrance to the town. • Arch is made with mixture of brick and lava stone. The examples of residences in pompeii are The house of surgeon and house of pansa. • Situated on east side of the via consolare about 50 metres inside theherculaneum gate. • Named after the wide range of surgical instruments found in one of the rooms. •Most ancient dwelling of pompeii. • It is an irregular quadrilateral because it exactly fits in the plot on which it is built. • This is organized around a central space or atrium that admitted fresh air and light to surrounding rooms. • A portico or a porch at the rear portion opened into the small garden. • Positioned between these two elements was the tablinium SOURCE : AD79 eruption HOUSE OF PANSA. • • • • • • • The typical atrium style house of pompeii was fronted by the shops. The structure usually housed a main house was rented out. Vestibulum was a thin passageway that led into the atrium (8) in which the an open skylight above the atrium caught fresh water. A similar open air peristyle courtyard was located further in and the bedrooms, dining room, bathrooms, kitchen and other service areas radiated out from. A vegetable garden in addition to the flower garden provided fresh fruit and vegetables. Atrium style houses were apartment houses and commercial districts combined into one structure. They were investment for wealthy owners. SOURCE : AD79 eruption Town planning: Herculaneum • Herculaneum, like its larger neighbor Pompeii, was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. and not rediscovered until the 1700s. Source: http://www.pompeiiinpictures.com/pompeiiinpictures/Maps/maps%20bay%20of%20naples.htm • Followed the classical layout of Greek towns. • Narrow, Straight streets dividing the town into blocks (insulae). • Less Traffic on the Roads. • Better drainage and Sewarage systems Plan of Herculaneum • Basilica Noniana At the northern extreme of Cardo III, the western wall of the basilica has been excavated. • The wall decoration is in Fourth Style with a frieze depicting the deeds of Hercules with Greek captions. • The basilica had a rich collection of statues of the family of M. Nonius Balbus http://vico.wikispaces.com/Public+Buildings Main features • Fauces • Atrium • Tablinum • Ala • Cubiculum • Triclinium • Peristyle Faun - Entrance Faun - Atrium Faun - Peristyle Faun - Alexander Mosaic Faun - 1st peristyle towards Atria http://vico.wikispaces.com/Private+Buildings Review • With the increase of wealth and population, the ancient Romans had to find architectural solutions to deal with these increases. The Ancient Romans took influences from the Greeks in their architectural works. • The Colosseum and Amphitheatres were primararily used to :1) entertain the masses 2) pronounced power and exemplified dominance through sacrifices of men through battles with animals. • Temples and Basilicas, the bridges and aqueducts within played important roles in the empire unification. Roads and bridges eased communication around the large empire. The temples and Basilicas were located in the center of the city. The two main reasons for building roads was to facilitate trade and movement of the Roman Army. • Over the course of the period, the Ancient Romans believed that public buildings should be made to impress and used as a public function. A prime example of one of these type buildings is the Pantheon. • Insulae, or multi-story apartment blocks, during the time period accommodated many people. They often were several floors in height. Each of these apartments had their own terrace and private entrance.
