Classical Civilization: Rome

Roman architecture possessed some qualities similar to Greek architecture such as post and lintel and decorative columns but they also used vault and dome style building. However, the Romans made their own contributions such as mastering road building and discovering concrete.  They built structures to honor their values which include religious tombs and temples, basilicas, theaters, and memorial structures.

The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most famous structures. It seated up to 50,000 people and is an example of the arch and barrel vault made with stone and concrete. Arches were very prevalent in Roman culture during this time. This arena was used as a stadium for cultural events as well as fighting and entertainment.  Another famous building is the Pantheon temple. It is constructed by dome technique and is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world which is incredible. In the center of the dome is an oculus to allow natural light into the space. These were common in large structures.

There were three types of homes, insula, domus, and villas. Homes and buildings furnished with wood, metal, and stone furniture such as chairs “cathedra”, stools “sella”, tables, couches and thrones which had extravagant ornamentation. They were also decorated with patterned floors, mosaics, stucco, and frescoes because the people were obsessed with ornamentation. 

fresco found in a villa style home

Modern applications

Thomas Jefferson memorial

example of patterned floors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaSbYIeqGWg

This is an informative video on the history of the Colosseum

Classical Civilization Greece

Greek civilization was the beginning of western culture. They had democracy and independent governments which fueled trade and competition among the communities.  Their developments in art, architecture, literature, philosophy, and music served as a source of design inspiration. Marble was the people main resource in architecture but they also utilized wood, stone, and other natural resources. The Parthenon, an ancient temple on the Athenian Acropolis, is the most important building of ancient Greece. The Grecian people were obsessed with their architecture being aesthetically pleasing and the idea of visual perfection. They were very aware of how the eye would perceive the structures. For example, the columns making up the Parthenon would incline inward, the shafts were tapered, corner columns were heavier, and the space between them would vary all around the building but it looked very symmetrical and balanced. There are many parts to a temple, but the columns are one the most recognized elements and were used in all types of architecture. Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns are the three styles used.

Homes were constructed of mud brick, stone, wood, and terracotta tiles and inwardly oriented.  Decoration included patterned floors and red, white, and yellow on the walls. Eggs & dart patterns and the Greek fret or key patterns were very popular in the home and furniture. Because Greece is surrounded by three seas, marine life motifs were very common as well as the color blue.   

Modern applications

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AIXvZRsiq4

This is a video explaining why some people believe the Greeks knowingly built the Parthenon to give effects of an optical illusion. 

Peer Review: Ancient Civilization

Nicole Kopsias- I think Nicole shows great examples of architecture in famous monuments as well as current applications. She describes what they are, why they are important and the materials that the Egyptians utilized.  Adding in information about the Mesopotamian and their architecture helps us to link the two peoples together. It is interesting how similar their methods of building are and also their different styles. I also like that she included the Mesopotamian architectural accomplishments because we did not cover them in class and it is interesting to know. I also enjoyed the video.

Samantha Marnell: I like that Samantha revisited the fact that architecture played a role in distinguishing types of social classes. She talks about the importance of trade, because of the Egyptian’s location it, it was essential for them to have access to other materials and the river made it very possible to trade and communicate with other people. She also talks about how important their religion is to them and it shows in life, architecture, and in their tombs.   

Ancient Civilization

Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Nubia

The people of this time period were given an advantage with cities being more secure with food and shelter. This gave the people an opportunity to spend their time and energy on inventions, complex ideas, and arts. These cities were placed along the Nile River which heavily aided in the interactions between Egypt and Mesopotamia. The river allowed for easier communication, trade and the transport of building materials.  The area did not have very many resources so trade was necessary.

The ancient Egyptians had a class system and architecture played a large part in distinguishing the classes of people.  Homes were mostly constructed of mud/brick, wood, and stone. The higher social class one was a part of, the larger their home was. Kings, princes, and priests could reside in country villas. These were very large consisting of multiple bedrooms, cellar(s), court yard, porch, vestibule, reception, loggia, store room and many other rooms. Craftsmen typically lived in a good size space with a street, reception, hall, bedroom and kitchen. 

Religion is a large part of Egyptian culture. They believe in life after death and this fuels the cause to bury ones possessions in their tombs along with the person. Religion also influenced the design and furniture of this time. Symbolism was used frequently, involving animal, telling a story. They symbols as well as design in general was very detailed and elaborate. Design was inspired by wild plant and animal life. They made rugs, frescoes, and figures which typically were colored yellow and black. Furniture was made of native and imported wood, ivory, bone, leather and other materials.

Ancient architecture/furniture

chair, head rest, and bed with lion decor

Modern applications

coffee table

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6CNokOXXPY 

This is a video going through and explaining some of the Egyptian furniture pieces