Roman Architecture and Urbanism: Cities, Baths and Temples

Summary

This document describes the architecture, urban planning and engineering of Roman civilization. It explains how Rome organized its cities around the Forum, the Cardo and the Decumanus, and which public buildings and infrastructure they included. It also covers the design principles of baths, amphitheaters and temples, including lintel and domed structural systems.

Key points

Roman cities followed a pre-established urban model adapted to conquered lands.
The Forum was located at the center and housed public service buildings and temples.
Cities were organized around two main axes: the Cardo (north-south) and the Decumanus (east-west).
Cities included schools, spas, public baths, theaters, amphitheaters, circuses, sewers and aqueducts.
Roman baths often reached colossal dimensions and were typically covered by a central dome with a large skylight.
Roman temples used two structural systems: the lintel system (rectangular plans) and the domed system (central plans).

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The Foundations of Roman Civilization

Rome represents a pivotal era in European history, defined by its political, economic, artistic, and military dominance. The city of Rome and its empire expanded to occupy Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa. Key elements of Roman society were its eminently practical, military, and commercial outlook on life. This pragmatic nature led the Romans to adopt Greek sculpture as the standard for beauty in their art.

Roman Architecture and Urban Legacy

Architecture is the field where Rome left its greatest legacy. The empire covered its territories with new cities, imposing an urban civilization upon conquered lands. Roman mentality dictated that cities be designed according to a pre-established urban model that met fundamental conditions. The Romans followed a consistent urban scheme:

The Forum: Located at the center, housing public service buildings and temples.
Urban Layout: Cities were organized around two main axes: the Cardo (north-south) and the Decumanus (east-west).
Civilizing Infrastructure: Cities featured schools, spas, public baths, theaters, amphitheaters, circuses, sewers, and aqueducts.

Types of Roman Buildings

Roman buildings were adapted to predetermined schemes based on their function, focusing on internal space utilization and laying the foundations for modern urbanism. Roman Baths are a clear example of this, often reaching colossal dimensions. These thermal plants allowed for transitions between different phases, conceiving rooms as a single space, typically covered by a central dome with a large skylight.

The Roman Temple

The reiteration of basic schemes is also evident in amphitheaters, theaters, and circuses, where design prioritized utility and structural firmness. The Temple remained a constant in Roman life, serving official polytheistic rituals. Roman temples utilized two primary structural systems:

Lintel System: Rectangular plans following the Greek concept.
Domed System: Central plans organized around a dome.

The temple was conceived as a building integrated into the city, elevated on a podium. Unlike Greek temples, they were often not surrounded by columns, instead featuring austere decoration and walls that closed the cella. This exterior austerity was a constant feature of the Roman world.

FAQ

What were the two main axes of a Roman city?

Roman cities were organized around the Cardo, running north-south, and the Decumanus, running east-west.

Where was the Forum located in a Roman city?

The Forum was located at the center of the city and housed public service buildings and temples.

How did Roman temples differ from Greek temples?

Unlike Greek temples, Roman temples were often not surrounded by columns. They were elevated on a podium and had austere decoration with walls that closed the cella.