Roman Architecture: Innovations and Influence

Introduction

Roman architectural innovations emerged before and particularly during the rise of a new social, urban, and religious organization, which demanded novel constructive approaches. These solutions proved decisive for all subsequent art movements, including Renaissance and Baroque, and continue to influence architecture today.

Characteristics of Roman Architecture

• Practicality and utility
• Grandeur and luxury as expressions of power
• Dynamism versus Greek statism
• Predominance of architectural works

The primary building materials were concrete (a mixture of stones, sand, water, lime, or Roman cement mortar) and baked brick. These inexpensive yet durable materials were often covered with stucco or marble slabs.

Architectural Elements

Supports

The Romans adopted and transformed Greek orders:

• Tuscan (or Etruscan Doric): A simplified Doric with a smooth shaft and base, rarely used.
• Ionic: Introduced volutes (scrolls) on the sides as well as the front.
• Corinthian: Used extensively, similar to the Greek version.
• Composite: A combination of Ionic and Corinthian, featuring a Corinthian capital with Ionic volutes, first appearing in the Arch of Titus.

The orders were not always structural and could be purely decorative, embedded in the wall. This freedom of treatment and the novel overlapping of orders on facades significantly impacted Renaissance architecture.

Arches and Vaults

Influenced by the Greeks, Romans used lintels, and by Mesopotamians, arches. The arch led to the development of the barrel vault, groin vault, and, in the Baths of Caracalla, incipient scallop vaults transitioning from octagonal to semi-spherical forms. The combination of lintels (static) and arches (dynamic) created an aesthetic contrast.

Space and Urbanism

Romans conceived of space as something internal to be immersed in, resulting in buildings as shells enclosing interior space. Land held great importance in this urban and cosmopolitan civilization. Flourishing cities, driven by a capitalist economy, were embellished by wealthy citizens.

Key Works of Roman Architecture

• Baths of Caracalla: A grand palace for recreation and culture, featuring barrel vaults and groin vaults.
• Via de la Plata: A road built under Emperor Augustus to access silver mines, stretching from Mérida to Astorga.
• Aqueduct of the Miracles (Mérida): Used simultaneous courses of brick and stone, a precursor to the system used in the Mosque of Córdoba.
• Flavian Amphitheater (Colosseum): An elliptical amphitheater for spectacles, with a capacity of 50,000, and a facade divided into three floors with Tuscan, Ionic, and Corinthian columns.
• Pantheon (Rome): A circular building with a massive dome (32m diameter), its thrust counteracted by relieving arches. The dome is decorated with coffers and has a central oculus for light.