Introduction
Ancient Roman writing about architecture is an invaluable resource for understanding the innovations, processes, and achievements of the era. As Rome grew, either through conquest and expanding its geographical borders, or through its own ingenuity and inventiveness, Roman architecture was always striving to meet the demands of the times. There were many architects and writers who wrote on these topics, and each provides unique insight into the culture of Rome and the advances made in building construction.
Vitruvius
The most noted author on ancient Roman architecture was none other than Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, a scientist, engineer, architect, and author, who wrote the now famous De Architectura in the first century BCE. While his exhaustive treatise was probably not the first book on architecture, it has become the most important and influential. His writings are highly cinematic, and spanned a range of topics from the nature of Roman building materials, methods of construction, engineering principles, and even aesthetics. Vitruvius was passionate about Roman architecture, writing about twelve books on these topics. He was unswervingly driven to promote the excellence of Roman architecture and is credited with introducing the concept of the “Vitruvian Man,” the idea of proportion, proportionality, and balance in architecture that has become a foundation of today’s classical architecture.
Frontinus and Columella
Seius Julius Frontinus was a Roman statesman and writer, who is credited with two works on hydraulics, De Aquis and De Agrorum Formivo. Although these represent a general approach to engineering, Frontinus did also make some particular comments about architecture as a form of engineering. He also wrote about the importance of finding suitable building materials and exploring their physical properties. His ideas then influenced Columella, a Roman author, who wrote on various topics related to managing rural estates and maintaining their resources, including construction techniques.
Though his writings do not particularly relate to Roman architecture, they did discuss technical aspects of engineering that were then employed in the creation of large scale buildings and monuments.
Other Contributions
Other authors also wrote on ancient Roman architecture, and their works were instrumental in understanding how the architecture of the period was built. Vitruvius’ seminal work was followed by the writings of Gaius Valerius Flaccus. An engineer, he wrote five books on architecture which focused on military applications, especially siege warfare and permanent fortifications.
The Roman architect Frontinus wrote a book on the architecture of public buildings, likewise the Roman architect and poet Marcus Agrippa. His poem, De Architetura, detailed a range of topics from surveying and measuring to laying foundations, using masons and mortar, using scaffolds, and even artistic decoration.
Influence of Politics and Religion
Roman architecture was influenced by politics and religion, as well as by aesthetics. Monumental architecture during the period was usually a political statement, with significant buildings and monuments expressing the aims of the ruling class and the sentiments of society. These ideas were emphasised in the writings of Vitruvius and others, who pointed out that great buildings were an expression of the faith, character, and values of the Roman state.
Religion also had an influence on architecture, with the temples and other religious buildings of the period often reflecting the religious mores of the time. Writings of the period highlighted the importance of religious architecture, as it was seen as being a reflection of the city’s values and a way in which to express devotion to the gods.
Influence of Aesthetics
Aesthetics had a significant effect on ancient Roman architecture, with the authors of the time exploring what it meant to build to beauty. The most notable in this regard is Vitruvius, whose works stressed the importance of proper proportions, symmetry, and light in buildings.
This strand of thinking was also extended to ornaments and decorations, as writeups of the time highlighted the importance of artistry as a means of enhancing the beauty of a building. Such decor mainly consisted of various organic and abstract motifs, with Vitruvius even noting that Greek statues, which depicted physical perfection, could be used to add further beauty to a building.
Influence of Engineering Technology
Engineering technology was another influential factor in ancient Roman architecture. As the technology of the time advanced, it was commonplace for new techniques, procedures, and materials to be employed in the construction of buildings.
Various authors of the time commented on the importance of engineering technology in helping to achieve the desired form and function of a building. They discussed topics including the need for a preliminary design, the use of suitable materials, and the strategies and measures needed to execute the building works.
Significance of Ancient Roman Writing on Architecture
Ancient Roman writing on architecture was invaluable for understanding the ambitions and achievements of the period. Their works provided an insight into their acts of building, demonstrating the advances made in terms of materials and engineering technologies, as well as their understanding of aesthetics.
Moreover, the writings highlighted the influential role that politics and religion had on architecture and the importance of striving for beauty and excellence in building design. These works have become the basis for modern architecture, as many of the principles highlighted by the authors are still adhered to today.
Legacy of Ancient Roman Writing on Architecture
The legacy of ancient Roman writing on architecture has been lasting, with the principles and approaches espoused by authors like Vitruvius still informing the way we think about architecture and the design of buildings today. The works of these authors enabled our understanding of Roman architecture and remain essential reading for architects seeking to understand the pursuits of their predecessors.
Impact of Ancient Roman Writing on Architecture
The writings of Vitruvius, Frontinus, and Columella have had a lasting lasting impact on architecture and our understanding of the advancements of the period. Their works have been used as a reference for modern architects, and their insights have impacted the way buildings are designed today.
The impact of these authors is also evident in the proliferation of classical architecture, which has been strongly influenced by the principles of proportionality and balance, which were elevated by writers like Vitruvius. This has enabled the development of timeless and elegant buildings which provide balance, order, and beauty.
Commemoration of Ancient Roman Writing on Architecture
The works of the ancient Roman writers on architecture remain important and much admired, and it is for this reason that their contributions have been commemorated. For instance, the Society of Architectural Historians has created a book prize in the name of Vitruvius, whilst the American Institute of Architects has held various lectures, conferences, and events to honor the achievements of the writers, and their effect on architecture.
Continuation of Ancient Roman Writing on Architecture
The legacy of the ancient Roman authors on architecture can be clearly seen in modern architecture, which continues the pursuit for excellence that has always been promoted in their works.This is nowhere more evident than in the structures internationally, with many modern cities attempting to recreate the sense of poise and grandeur that was seen in the architecture of the Roman era.
Conclusion of Ancient Roman Writing on Architecture
The ancient Roman writing on architecture has had a lasting influence on building design today, just as it did in the period. Not only do the works of authors such as Vitruvius, Frontinus, and Columella help us to appreciate the technological advances and craft of the period, but their approaches to construction still inform our ways of thinking today. Therefore, they remain essential reading for architects and designers seeking to create beautiful and well structured buildings.
