Roman Builders
How were the architectural ideas behind great Roman building projects carried out in practice? Each major phase of the building process is considered in the building histories of the Baths of Caracalla, the Pantheon, the Coliseum, and the great temples at Baalbek. New hypotheses are advanced on the raising of monolithic columns, the construction sequence of the Coliseum, and the vaulting of the Pantheon. The illustrations include archival and original photographs, as well as numerous explanatory drawings.
- Comprehensive step-by-step approach to Roman architectural practice
- Detailed analytical illustrations
- Considers both humanistic and technological issues
- New hypothesis about the raising of monolithic columns, the construction sequence of the Coliseum and the vaulting of the Pantheon
- Capitalizes on the current popularity of unsolved puzzles of ancient technology
Reviews & endorsements
"...an original and involving book, well written and readable despite the technical nature of the subject, and will be of interest to anyone--scholar, teacher, student, architect, engineer, layperson, tourist--with an interest in Roman architecture and construction." The Classical Outlook
"Profusely illustrated with both photographs and diagrams, many executed by the author, this is an important study of architectural process and should enhance any architectural collection as well as any general academic collection in architecture, history or the humanities." E-STREAMS
"This handsome book provides a fresh new look at the material culture of Roman building. Essential." Choice
"We come away...with a much clearer understanding of Roman technology in action, what it could and could not do, and of the astonishing effort involved in such contructions. Read Taylor, and you will know full well why there was not a Pantheon in every town." Classical World, George W. Houston, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Product details
January 2003Paperback
9780521005838
320 pages
246 × 175 × 20 mm
0.727kg
150 b/w illus.
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. Planning and design
- 2. Laying the groundwork
- 3. Walls, piers, and columns
- 4. Complete armatures
- 5. Roofing and vaulting
- 6. Decoration and finishing.