Rome

BATHS OF CARACALLA

Rome 212-216 Massive cement and brick structures support a roof with a semicircular intersecting vault. The frigidarium is in this area....

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SCAENAE FRONS

Theatre at Taormina Sicily The scaenae frons, one of the best preserved, was richly decorated with groups of four columns on a high podium which separate the regia or central royal door from the hospitalia or side doors. Behind the columns are niches for statues....

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TOMB OF CAECILIA METELLA

Via Appia Rome c. 30 B.C. A development of the tumulus, the tomb of Caecilia Metella is a travertine-faced cylinder which stands on a square podium. A small inner chamber has a high-vaulted roof in the center. The entrance into the chamber is a small passage cut into the cylinder. On top there was a planted mound. The present top is an addition fr...

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OPUS TESTACEUM

Forum Romanum Rome In opus testaceum the cement is faced with triangular bricks, about one and one-half inches thick. There are other much used facings....

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MILVIAN BRIDGE

Rome 109 B.C. The Milvian Bridge (Pons Mulvius) was the crossing for two of the most important roads in Rome. Still used today, its arches are set over massive piers....

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BRONZE DOORS

Temple of Romulus Forum Romanum Rome Early 4th century The bronze doors are original. They are framed by two columns and a decorated lintel. Notice the partial columns sitting on pedestals. This is typical throughout Roman architecture....

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COFFERED DOME

Pantheon Rome c. 118-128 The coffered dome rises to a twenty-seven foot circular opening called the oculus. It is the one light source for the interior. In five steps, and recessed four times, the coffering diminishes in size. This lightens the load on the dome and enhances its appearance of height. Originally the coffers were decorated, possibly ...

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BATHS

Baia Early 1st century This is a portion of the baths at Baia, a famous resort near Naples....

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THEATRE OF SABRATHA

Tripolitana c. 200 The theatre of Sabratha has a three-story scaenae frons with ninety-six columns decreasing in height from the first to the third story. The scaenae frons is divided into seven sections, which gave the actors many entrances. This was the largest Roman theatre in Africa....

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FORUM ROMANUM

From the west Rome The forum is the meeting place for Romans, the center of political, religious, business, and social life. Built up over many years on an ancient site, the Forum Romanum is the oldest and most important forum. It is laid out on an axial plan and everything is organized within defined boundaries. At its peak during the days of the...

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