Rome's Architecture and What it shows about the roman empire

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This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.

The overall concept in this gallery is how Rome’s architecture reflected the Roman Empire as a whole. This meaning how the Roman’s made their architecture as well as decorations reflected aspects of the Roman Empire. As well as what the Roman architecture was like. For example, looking at what they did in architecture, did they use animals in their architecture was it very detailed or quite plain? What also affects architecture is where the architectural piece was placed; was it low near the ground or high up touching the ceiling? Also where did they put that specific architectural piece? Lastly was it an important part of the building or a less important part?

The architectural pieces along with decorative pieces and decorations in this gallery are similar in the concept of architecture, and how it reflected the Roman Empire as an entire empire. All of the decorations, architectural pieces and decorative designs in this gallery were used to impress or awe one of the persons looking at it or beautify a Roman building or important place. As well the pieces in the museum gallery were used for decoration as well as/or structural support.

This theme is a very important one, and it deserves to be in a museum gallery for quite a few reasons. The first reason being that the Roman’s built many grand buildings. With all of the great architecture that the Roman’s made there are several ruins left in Rome today. Secondly, it is important to know what characteristics of Rome influenced the many architectural feats they made. A last reason for why this concept should be in a museum gallery is that, many different things influenced Rome and gave it several discerning characteristics; such as politics, religion, economics and technology. All of these things combined come out through architecture and show distinct characteristics.

Fragment of a decorated composite column base from the interior of the Temple of Mars the Avenger in the Forum of Augustus, Augustan Age, From the collection of: Mercati di Traiano

This is a piece of a base of a composite column from the Temple of Mars. It was made during the Augustan Age, between 63 BC and 14 AD. Columns were used in Roman architecture to increase space and the amount of light in the building, as well to be used as a decoration. Columns were also used as an optical allusion. Columns in Roman architecture showed wealth and great architectural feats in the Roman empire.

Frame with “anthemion” decoration, from a niche of the bottom wall in the porticoes of the Forum of Augustus, Augustan Age, From the collection of: Mercati di Traiano

This is the frame with anthemion decoration from a niche of the bottom wall in the porticoes of the Forum of Augustus. It is from the Augustan Age, from 63 BC to 14 AD. Anthemion is a design consisting of a type of flower such as lotus, honeysuckle or palm leaf. It was used in painting and architecture. This frame has many details showing how persistent the Romans were to be perfect.

Covering slab with painted decoration, from the bottom wall of the Colossus Hall in the Forum of Augustus, Augustan Age, From the collection of: Mercati di Traiano

This is a covering slab with painted decoration, from the bottom wall of the Colossus Hall in the Forum of Augustus. It is from the Augustan Age, 63 BC to 14 AD. Covering slabs were used to decorate Roman temples and important buildings. This shows that the Roman empire wanted all of their important buildings to be beautiful and show their wealth and prosperity.

Cornice of a niche from the bottom wall in the porticoes of the Forum of Augustus, Augustan Age, From the collection of: Mercati di Traiano

This is a cornice of a niche from the bottom wall in the porticoes of the Forum of Augustus. It is from the Augustan Age, from 63 BC to 14 AD. This was an ornamental molding just below the ceiling. It was used to decorate the walls of a temple or other important place.What this piece shows about the Roman empire is that it had patience; patience to make their empire beautiful and intricate, from the floor to the ceiling.

Frieze of acanthus volutes with sphinxes, Augustan Age, From the collection of: Centrale Montemartini

This is a frieze of acanthus volutes with sphinxes. It is from the Augustan Age, 63 BC to 14 AD. It was used in Roman architecture as a painted or sculpted decoration near the ceiling; similar to a cornice. It is very intricately carved and obviously took a long time to make. This shows that the Romans were not ashamed to take a long time as long as the results of their labors were perfect and contributed to their empire.

Corinthian capital of a pilaster (fragment), Augustan Age, From the collection of: Mercati di Traiano

This is a fragment of a capital of a pilaster. It was from the Augustan Age, 63 BC to 14 AD. A pilaster is a piece of stone attached to a wall with either fluted or intricate decoration.The use of this was decorative. It showed how Rome wanted to be extravagant and flaunt its wealth with many decorations and intricate architectural works.

Basement with acanthus scroll decoration, from the Forum of Augustus, Augustan Age, From the collection of: Mercati di Traiano

This is a basement piece with acanthus scroll decoration, from the Forum of Augustus. It is from the Augustan Age, 63 BC to 14 AD. This was a decoration in buildings such as temples. It was a long piece of stone at the base of a wall either on the inside or outside of a building; used as a decoration. It showed how the Roman's wanted every part of their temples to be magnificent and how they liked to show their skill with architecture.

Fragment of capital with winged horses (Pegasus), from the interior of the Templum of Mars the Avenger in the Forum of Augustus, Augustan Age, From the collection of: Mercati di Traiano

This is a fragment of capital with winged horses, or a pegasus, from the interior of the Templum of Mars the Avenger in the Forum of Augustus. It is from the Augustan Age, 63 BC to 14 AD. It was at the top or bottom of a column in architecture. It was used for extra decoration to a column. It shows how Rome wanted everything to be beautiful and flaunt its wealth and architectural work.

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This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.

Mercati di Traiano

Centrale Montemartini