Materials & Construction
The materials, techniques and construction of the Romans is still considered unique in it's efficiency and dynamics today. As the Roman empire expanded, it came to follow in the footsteps of the Ancient Greek period, first working in clay and terra cotta before moving onto more complex processes and materials such as the lost-wax process to construct bronze sculptures and mixing copper and tin as well as mastering the shaping of metals and marble.
Roman Architecture
Roman Architecture is once again based on the structural qualities of Greek architecture, but introduced new features such as arches and domes. This style of building expanded during the Pax Romana, a time of Roman peace time and expansion. The materials were based on concrete for strength and durability in order to stand the test of time, this is sometimes referred to as the Concrete Revolution. A common material also used was the Roman Brick, a fired clay brick produced in a kiln and stamped by the region in which it was produced. An example of use of this brick is the Basilica of Constantine in Germany.
In terms of infrastructure, the Romans devised a more civilized society in terms of settlements, health and hygiene and access to food and water, putting an emphasis on public buildings. This way of building is exemplified in the construction of aqueducts, heating systems, watermills, amphitheatres and more basic construction including notable Roman roads, accredited with the development of the modern road, they were essential to trading goods and transporting public and military, often described as highly durable and innovative in their construction. Aqueducts also aided sewer systems and latrines.
However, bridges, dams and canals are all scattered across the relics of the Roman Imperial Art, decorated with these features along with gardens and monoliths. For this reason, Roman Architecture is one of the most defining subjects of this empire due to it's influential style in what it has inspired in the modern era and it's durability, long withstanding other landscapes and constructs. Examples of noteworthy Roman Architecture include, the Colosseum, the Pantheon and even Hadrian's Wall in Britain.
The Colosseum, as shown above, is probably the most well known example of Roman Architecture and is the destination of tourists from around the world. Built of concrete and stone, it is considered to be the largest amphitheatre in the world and a marvel of engineering to both Ancient and modern experts. Capable of holding an audience of 50,000 to 80,000 people, it was used to entertain with other forms of art such as gladiators, animal hunts, mythological dramas etc.
Roman Fine Art
In terms of Fine Art, Ancient Rome is not considered to be fluent. As owning more art was seen to be better, it was all about the aestheticism to the owner, with most surviving Roman artworks originating from Pompeii as they were preserved by the destruction caused from the volcanic eruption in 79 BCE. Themes of painting revolve much around the basic landscapes and representations of the empire itself, focusing on presentation. This is emphasised in the Nile in Flood (80 BCE) Palestrina, below.
To conclude the Roman Art era, it can be seen that there are several routes of inspiration, adoption and adaptation from Greek styles of art. This is most obvious in sculpture and architecture. However, it is also vital to understand that the Roman empire is responsible for some of the most basic infrastructure and inventions that we have today, providing a basis for which the Ancient style of civilization could end and begin a new era. For this reasoning, we would not be living in the same developed world as we do today if not for the Roman Empire and what emerged from it.
In terms of infrastructure, the Romans devised a more civilized society in terms of settlements, health and hygiene and access to food and water, putting an emphasis on public buildings. This way of building is exemplified in the construction of aqueducts, heating systems, watermills, amphitheatres and more basic construction including notable Roman roads, accredited with the development of the modern road, they were essential to trading goods and transporting public and military, often described as highly durable and innovative in their construction. Aqueducts also aided sewer systems and latrines.
However, bridges, dams and canals are all scattered across the relics of the Roman Imperial Art, decorated with these features along with gardens and monoliths. For this reason, Roman Architecture is one of the most defining subjects of this empire due to it's influential style in what it has inspired in the modern era and it's durability, long withstanding other landscapes and constructs. Examples of noteworthy Roman Architecture include, the Colosseum, the Pantheon and even Hadrian's Wall in Britain.
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The Colosseum, as shown above, is probably the most well known example of Roman Architecture and is the destination of tourists from around the world. Built of concrete and stone, it is considered to be the largest amphitheatre in the world and a marvel of engineering to both Ancient and modern experts. Capable of holding an audience of 50,000 to 80,000 people, it was used to entertain with other forms of art such as gladiators, animal hunts, mythological dramas etc.
Roman Fine Art
In terms of Fine Art, Ancient Rome is not considered to be fluent. As owning more art was seen to be better, it was all about the aestheticism to the owner, with most surviving Roman artworks originating from Pompeii as they were preserved by the destruction caused from the volcanic eruption in 79 BCE. Themes of painting revolve much around the basic landscapes and representations of the empire itself, focusing on presentation. This is emphasised in the Nile in Flood (80 BCE) Palestrina, below.
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| Nile in Flood, Palestrina: Museo Archeologico Prenestino, (80 BCE) A mosaic produced from model. |
To conclude the Roman Art era, it can be seen that there are several routes of inspiration, adoption and adaptation from Greek styles of art. This is most obvious in sculpture and architecture. However, it is also vital to understand that the Roman empire is responsible for some of the most basic infrastructure and inventions that we have today, providing a basis for which the Ancient style of civilization could end and begin a new era. For this reasoning, we would not be living in the same developed world as we do today if not for the Roman Empire and what emerged from it.
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