Topic Two (1.2): Ancient Roman Architecture
Introduction
FOCUS: The Colosseum and Pantheon
In this topic you will learn about ancient Roman architecture. Having learnt about the three Orders of ancient Greek architecture in the first topic, you will now be introduced to the five Roman Orders. Again, it is important that you memorize the terms for each part of each Order (making your own diagrams for later reference can help). Two significant buildings are at the heart of this module, the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and you will explore their various contexts along the way as well as learning about the materials, techniques and processes involved in their construction.
Read and Make Notes
- Read pages 165 to 213 in A World History of Art by Honour and Fleming.
- Make notes from pages 185 to 196 on the Colosseum and Pantheon, and using as many reputable resources as available, making sure you cover these topics:
- their historical contexts, patronage, function and style;
- the materials, techniques and processes used in their construction.
Tasks
- Copy out the diagram of all the Five Roman Orders (Tuscan, Roman Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite) on page 945 of Honour and Fleming (N.B. You will need to memorize all the terms in this diagram).
- Copy out the diagrams of arch and barrel and groin vaults from the following resource:
READ – Parts of an Arch (SUNY) Links to an external site.
Consolidate
- Use the following links to consolidate your understanding of the Colosseum:
EXPLORE – Colosseum (parcocolosseo.it) Links to an external site.
EXPLORE – Colosseum: Ancient History (History.com) Links to an external site.
- Use the following links to consolidate your understanding of the Colosseum: and Pantheon:
EXPLORE – Pantheon (Italy Guides) Links to an external site.
READ – Pantheon (Platner's Topographical Dictionary of Ancient Rome) Links to an external site.
- Please do remember to make notes when watching the following documentaries on Roman Architecture:
Terminology
Make sure you understand all the key terms covered in this topic. You may like to make flashcards of key terms now, to help you with revision later on.