Roman Architecture: Temples and the Colosseum
Ara Pacis: A Monument to Peace
The Ara Pacis, an altar constructed in 13 BC, stands as a testament to Roman artistry. While many historical reliefs from this period depict warfare, the Ara Pacis uniquely celebrates peace, commemorating the end of the wars in Gaul and Spain. The central theme is a procession featuring the imperial family, judges, senators, and priests, all making offerings at the altar of Augustan Peace. Rome is personified as a woman. The altar is enclosed by a nearly rectangular wall, approximately 10 meters high, crafted from marble. This wall is adorned with exterior reliefs divided into two friezes. The lower frieze showcases floral decorations and small animals, while the upper frieze presents a magnificent procession. In this procession, Augustus is depicted with his family, courtiers, and others. Unlike the abstract figures in the Parthenon’s Panathenaic frieze, these are realistic portraits. The scene is rich in detail, with figures in various poses and attire, including men, women, and children at different levels. This adds depth and creates a sense of spaciousness. One of the entrances features a mythological representation of the Earth, with two children and fruits in her lap, animals at her feet, and vegetation. Flanking this scene are two nymphs, one riding a swan and the other a sea lion. The interior is decorated with bucrania and garlands.
The Pantheon: A Masterpiece of Roman Engineering
The Pantheon, designed by Apollodorus of Damascus, represents the pinnacle of Roman temple architecture. Its interior is breathtaking, featuring a vast circular cella covered by a massive hemispherical dome. The design is geometrically clear, simple, and balanced. The walls are punctuated by rectangular and semicircular niches, which house small booths and statues of deities. The Pantheon is a prime example of the perfection, magnificence, and grandeur of Roman architecture. It marked an artistic revolution with its circular base and dome, a stark contrast to the rectangular, gabled Greek temples. Exceptional for its circular plan, coffered dome, and innovative approach to temple space, the Pantheon in Rome was not a burial site but a temple dedicated to all gods. Originally built by Agrippa in 27 BC, it was damaged by fire in 80 AD. Emperor Hadrian rebuilt it between 125 and 128 AD, retaining Agrippa’s inscription. Constructed from concrete and brick, the Pantheon is lined internally with marble and stucco, and the exterior is painted. The interior wall is relieved with alternating rectangular and semicircular niches, each originally housing a statue of a god. In front of each niche were two columns supporting an entablature, interrupted only at the entrance and the central niche. Above the entablature rises the semicircular dome, 43 meters in diameter and height. The dome is covered with square coffers that become trapezoidal towards the top, enhancing the sense of depth. At its center is an open oculus, approximately 9 meters in diameter, lined with bronze. The cella is preceded by a deep, octastyle portico of the Corinthian order, with eight additional columns behind the front, dividing the space into three sections, with the central space being the widest in both width and height.
The Colosseum: An Amphitheater of Grand Proportions
Construction of the Colosseum in Rome began under Vespasian in 69 AD. It was continued and likely completed by Domitian, and is named the Colosseum due to its immense size. The enormous grandstand rests on an internal structure of radial walls and thick pillars with elliptical halls. These vaulted heights accommodate the necessary incline of the stands. With a seating capacity of 50,000, the Colosseum is a compendium of Roman architectural techniques. It features stone blocks, concrete walls, travertine cladding, brick relieving arches, and various types of vaults. The exterior is divided into four levels. The first three levels feature open arches set into pillars with arch-lintel entablatures. The first level uses the Tuscan order, the second Ionic, and the third Corinthian. The fourth level is blind and constructed with composite (Corinthian) pilasters. This unique structure effectively alleviates the feeling of heaviness associated with such a massive structure.