The Roman civilization was one of the largest empires of its time, spanning over 3.5 million square miles across North Western Europe and the Mediterranean Sea. At its height, the empire had an estimated population of 9 million inhabitants. The Romans differed from the Greeks in that they controlled a larger unified land area, allowing for stronger central government. The Romans were also more intent on imposing their culture fully on conquered lands, rather than establishing colonies like the Greeks. Key factors in Roman architecture included abundant building materials, the development of concrete which enabled larger structures, and adapting to different climates across the empire. Religious practices changed over time from the Etruscan period to the imperial period when Christianity grew prominent. Roman civilization had a

1. The Roman civilizationThe Roman civilization

2. Roman civilizationRoman civilization
Roman civilization was a strongRoman civilization was a strong
civilization. It was one of the biggestcivilization. It was one of the biggest
empires of its time.empires of its time.
During its height, the empire consisted ofDuring its height, the empire consisted of
some 31/2 square miles with an estimatedsome 31/2 square miles with an estimated
9 million inhabitants.9 million inhabitants.

3. GeographyGeography
It started from North Western Europe up toIt started from North Western Europe up to
Mediterranean Sea. Sun never sets for theMediterranean Sea. Sun never sets for the
Roman Empire.Roman Empire.

4. Map of Rome

5. The basic reasons that madeThe basic reasons that made
Romans different from Greeks are:Romans different from Greeks are:
Greeks lived in islands while Romans had aGreeks lived in islands while Romans had a
large area, that’s why they had unity & stronglarge area, that’s why they had unity & strong
government.government.
Rome is located in Italy, a peninsula that sticksRome is located in Italy, a peninsula that sticks
out into the Mediterranean Sea. The pictureout into the Mediterranean Sea. The picture
above is of Italy. It is easy to spot on the mapabove is of Italy. It is easy to spot on the map
because it looks just like a boot.because it looks just like a boot.
Greeks whenever conquered an area, theyGreeks whenever conquered an area, they
formed colonies, while Romans, wheneverformed colonies, while Romans, whenever
conquered, they wanted to make it 100% likeconquered, they wanted to make it 100% like
themselves. They never compromisedthemselves. They never compromised

6. All the travel routes passed through Rome, soAll the travel routes passed through Rome, so
anybody who had to travel from one place to other hadanybody who had to travel from one place to other had
to cross Roman Empire.to cross Roman Empire.
Greeks used columns for construction & structuralGreeks used columns for construction & structural
purposes. While Romans used columns for purepurposes. While Romans used columns for pure
decoration purposesdecoration purposes
Greek Temples were single storeyed & small in scale.Greek Temples were single storeyed & small in scale.
But Romans made multi-storeyed & large scaleBut Romans made multi-storeyed & large scale
temples.temples.
Construction of large scale Temples was madeConstruction of large scale Temples was made
possible by the invention of concrete.possible by the invention of concrete.
Greeks had stone & brick so they could not increaseGreeks had stone & brick so they could not increase
the temple scale with these heavy materials. Makingthe temple scale with these heavy materials. Making
large scale temples meant more columns and extralarge scale temples meant more columns and extra
space to be consumed.space to be consumed.

7. GovernmentGovernment
They had a sort of democracy.They had a sort of democracy.
They had an emperor but with no properThey had an emperor but with no proper
leader ship.leader ship.

8. GeologyGeology
Geologically they had an abundance of all typesGeologically they had an abundance of all types
of materials, stone, timber, copper, tin. Threeof materials, stone, timber, copper, tin. Three
types of stones were used, tufa, peperine andtypes of stones were used, tufa, peperine and
traveline. Besides this they had marble, brick &traveline. Besides this they had marble, brick &
terracotta. This shows that they had a variety interracotta. This shows that they had a variety in
their architecture.their architecture.
Romans were the first people to inventRomans were the first people to invent
concrete.concrete. They realized that they should haveThey realized that they should have
uniform material .Romans called concreteuniform material .Romans called concrete
pozzolonapozzolona because it was made from this area.because it was made from this area.
This was one material which gave RomanThis was one material which gave Roman
buildings uniformity.buildings uniformity. Concrete was easyConcrete was easy to useto use
& it was lighter. Size could also vary in it.& it was lighter. Size could also vary in it.
They hadThey had domes, arches & vaultsdomes, arches & vaults as well.as well.
Brick has a high density that is why it wasBrick has a high density that is why it was
avoided in making expansion areasavoided in making expansion areas..

9. ClimateClimate
As Roman Empire was extended over a largeAs Roman Empire was extended over a large
area, so they also had a variety in their climate.area, so they also had a variety in their climate.
They had three types of climate.They had three types of climate.
TemperateTemperate
TropicalTropical
SunnySunny (size of doors and windows would(size of doors and windows would
become small)become small)
In all these three climates architecture cannot beIn all these three climates architecture cannot be
same.same.

10. Religion:Religion:
Romans had three historical periodsRomans had three historical periods
EtruscansEtruscans
RepublicansRepublicans
ImperialistsImperialists
As the government kept on changing religion alsoAs the government kept on changing religion also
diminished. By the end it became a front face façade i.e.diminished. By the end it became a front face façade i.e.
a joke. But thea joke. But the imperialistimperialist government had nogovernment had no
concern with daily life & practice.concern with daily life & practice.
EtruscansEtruscans were religious people. Their practices werewere religious people. Their practices were
similar to Greeks. They adopted their gods, as theysimilar to Greeks. They adopted their gods, as they
were, but, only changed their names.were, but, only changed their names.

11. InIn impenalistimpenalist emperor was very strong &emperor was very strong &
religion was limited to laws & policies. Due toreligion was limited to laws & policies. Due to
this, new religions started to arrive. The first &this, new religions started to arrive. The first &
foremost reason for this was they were neverforemost reason for this was they were never
satisfied. In Romesatisfied. In Rome ChristianityChristianity started tostarted to
become very popular. It was a religion of peacebecome very popular. It was a religion of peace
& harmony. Priests were limited to temples. The& harmony. Priests were limited to temples. The
rest of Rome became a beaurocraticrest of Rome became a beaurocratic
government setup.government setup.
In the end of this government priests were givenIn the end of this government priests were given
no importance. Romans hadno importance. Romans had circular templescircular temples
as well. This was not because they wereas well. This was not because they were
religious but they had different buildingreligious but they had different building
technology.technology.

12. Social LifeSocial Life
Romans had theatres, amphitheatres, circuses forRomans had theatres, amphitheatres, circuses for
(gladiator fighter) chariots. These circuses had special(gladiator fighter) chariots. These circuses had special
type of sand which absorbed blood.type of sand which absorbed blood.
They made temples of three shapes. (square,They made temples of three shapes. (square,
rectangular, circular & polygon)rectangular, circular & polygon)
Romans had slaves, nobles & emperors. No middleRomans had slaves, nobles & emperors. No middle
classes.classes.
Romans are also famous in history for law making. TheyRomans are also famous in history for law making. They
were the first to make laws. They had a judge, jury & awere the first to make laws. They had a judge, jury & a
proper place known asproper place known as BasilicaBasilica. Romans made 12. Romans made 12
tables of laws which were followed by judge & jury.tables of laws which were followed by judge & jury.
Besides these tables there were 2 more laws.Besides these tables there were 2 more laws.

13. Civil lawsCivil laws
Only for Roman citizens i.e.Only for Roman citizens i.e. PatriciansPatricians
Natural lawsNatural laws
In this law, every person was equal & lawIn this law, every person was equal & law
would be equal. They were for caseswould be equal. They were for cases
fought betweenfought between PatriciansPatricians (nobles) &(nobles) &
PlebianPlebian (common people), but was not(common people), but was not
practiced much.practiced much.

14. Roman ArchitectureRoman Architecture
Etruscans Architecture (25-1000 BC)Etruscans Architecture (25-1000 BC)
RepublicanRepublican
ImperialistsImperialists

15. Architectural CharacterArchitectural Character
Etruscans were the first Romans. All things depict theirEtruscans were the first Romans. All things depict their
influence even in later periods.influence even in later periods.
They were master builders.They were master builders.
They were the first people to construct the City wall.They were the first people to construct the City wall.
Massive stone & bricks were used. Thickness of stoneMassive stone & bricks were used. Thickness of stone
was more than 2".was more than 2".
They were the first people to use sewerage system.They were the first people to use sewerage system.
They controlled rivers through channels & canals.They controlled rivers through channels & canals.
They also built bridges.They also built bridges.
Wedge shaped stones were used.Wedge shaped stones were used.
Arches were always in the wall.Arches were always in the wall.
Etruscans started using projected arches.Etruscans started using projected arches.

16. . In later times people just developed or. In later times people just developed or
modified them.modified them.
Mesopotanians made arches butMesopotanians made arches but
Etruscans made radiating arches.Etruscans made radiating arches.
They made their architecture:They made their architecture:
TrabeatedTrabeated (beams and columns)(beams and columns)
ArcuatedArcuated (arches)(arches)

17. This is the reason why they had moreThis is the reason why they had more
variety and style than Greeks.variety and style than Greeks.
Greeks used columns for construction &Greeks used columns for construction &
structural purposes. While Romans usedstructural purposes. While Romans used
columns for pure decoration purposes.columns for pure decoration purposes.
They used Corinthian, Tuscan &They used Corinthian, Tuscan &
Composite orders.Composite orders.

18. Roman ordersRoman orders
These were:These were:
TuscanTuscan
CompositeComposite
These orders were not invented byThese orders were not invented by
Romans, but they only modified them.Romans, but they only modified them.

19. Tuscan orderTuscan order
Was inspired from DoricWas inspired from Doric
. Doric did not have base. While Tuscan. Doric did not have base. While Tuscan
had a base.had a base.
Doric’s column height was 4-6 times itsDoric’s column height was 4-6 times its
diameter. While Tuscan’s height wasdiameter. While Tuscan’s height was
7times its diameter.7times its diameter.
It had plain entablature with properlyIt had plain entablature with properly
unfluted shaft.unfluted shaft.

20. Composite order:Composite order:
It is also called Roman order.It is also called Roman order.
It was introduced in 1st A D only forIt was introduced in 1st A D only for
beautifying buildings.beautifying buildings.
It combines the prominent volutes of theIt combines the prominent volutes of the
Ionic with the acanthus of the CorinthianIonic with the acanthus of the Corinthian
on its capital .The shaft may be fluted oron its capital .The shaft may be fluted or
plain.plain.

21. Invention of ConcreteInvention of Concrete
Romans invented concrete .Concrete isRomans invented concrete .Concrete is
stronger than bricks and stone.stronger than bricks and stone.
Consequently, their roofs were thinner. AConsequently, their roofs were thinner. A
roof of stone and brick would reduce to aroof of stone and brick would reduce to a
quarter in concrete.quarter in concrete.

22. Romans madeRomans made
ArchesArches
VaultsVaults (a series of arches joined(a series of arches joined
together)together)
DomesDomes 4 arches joined together with4 arches joined together with
circularly covered centers.circularly covered centers.
Vaults were light weight due to concrete.Vaults were light weight due to concrete.
There were two types of vaults:There were two types of vaults:
Barrel vaultsBarrel vaults
Cross vaultsCross vaults

23. Various BuildingsVarious Buildings
ForumForum
ThermaeThermae
Ancient Roman ForumAncient Roman Forum
The Forum was the main marketplace and businessThe Forum was the main marketplace and business
center, where the ancient Romans went to do theircenter, where the ancient Romans went to do their
banking, trading, shopping, and marketing.banking, trading, shopping, and marketing.
It was also a place for public speaking. The ancientIt was also a place for public speaking. The ancient
Romans were great orators.Romans were great orators.
They loved to talk. The job of their orators (speakers)They loved to talk. The job of their orators (speakers)
was not to argue, but to argue persuasively (imposedwas not to argue, but to argue persuasively (imposed
their ideas).their ideas).
People coming to the Forum would stop and listen, thenPeople coming to the Forum would stop and listen, then
wander away to do their shopping, and perhaps leave awander away to do their shopping, and perhaps leave a
gift at a temple for one of their gods.gift at a temple for one of their gods.

24. The Forum was also used for festivals andThe Forum was also used for festivals and
religious ceremonies.religious ceremonies.
The Roman Forum is a square which isThe Roman Forum is a square which is
surrounded by some of the most ancientsurrounded by some of the most ancient
Roman monuments.Roman monuments.
The Forum is also the origin of the firstThe Forum is also the origin of the first
Latin population 2600 years ago.Latin population 2600 years ago.

25. Roman Forum
Trajan’s Forum

26. Trajan’s ForumTrajan’s Forum
It had four parts.It had four parts.
Political, social forumPolitical, social forum
Shopping, tradeShopping, trade
Temple of TrajanTemple of Trajan
Basilica (courts)Basilica (courts)

27. ThermaeThermae
It is derived from Greek word, “Thermos”.It is derived from Greek word, “Thermos”.
Thermae was a sort of public bath or a saloonThermae was a sort of public bath or a saloon
type, for cutting, bathing etc. Public baths weretype, for cutting, bathing etc. Public baths were
used to signify social life. They were like modernused to signify social life. They were like modern
day clubs, as they were not just baths .Theyday clubs, as they were not just baths .They
were based on entry by pay tickets.were based on entry by pay tickets.
It had three partsIt had three parts
Main buildingMain building
Open spaceOpen space
ApartmentsApartments

28. Parts of a BathParts of a Bath
The Roman Baths had the following parts:The Roman Baths had the following parts:
UnctuariumUnctuarium
TepidariumTepidarium
CalidariumCalidarium
FrigidariumFrigidarium

29. Ancient Roman
Bath

30. The baths had hot and cold pools, towels,The baths had hot and cold pools, towels,
steam rooms, saunas, exercise rooms, and hairsteam rooms, saunas, exercise rooms, and hair
cutting salons. They had reading rooms andcutting salons. They had reading rooms and
libraries, as among the people, who hadlibraries, as among the people, who had
frequent baths, the majority could read.frequent baths, the majority could read.
Generally, Romans would first go to theGenerally, Romans would first go to the
unctuariumunctuarium where they had oil rubbed ontowhere they had oil rubbed onto
their skin and would then exercise in one of thetheir skin and would then exercise in one of the
exercise yards.exercise yards.
From here they would move to theFrom here they would move to the
tepidariumtepidarium or warm room where they wouldor warm room where they would
lie around chatting with their friends.lie around chatting with their friends.
..

31. Next, it was on to theNext, it was on to the calidariumcalidarium (hot bath),(hot bath),
similar to a Turkish bath, hot and steamy. Heresimilar to a Turkish bath, hot and steamy. Here
they sat and perspired, scraping their skin withthey sat and perspired, scraping their skin with
aa strigil,strigil, a curved metal tool.a curved metal tool.
Attendants would serve them snacks andAttendants would serve them snacks and
drinks. Finally, they had a quick dip in thedrinks. Finally, they had a quick dip in the
frigidariumfrigidarium (cold bath in a swimming pool(cold bath in a swimming pool
open to the sunny sky.)open to the sunny sky.)

32. After swimming, the bather might enjoy aAfter swimming, the bather might enjoy a
massage where he might have oils andmassage where he might have oils and
perfumes rubbed into his skin.perfumes rubbed into his skin.
Feeling clean and relaxed, the RomanFeeling clean and relaxed, the Roman
might walk through the beautiful gardensmight walk through the beautiful gardens
decorated with mosaics and colossaldecorated with mosaics and colossal
sculptures or enjoy athletic events in asculptures or enjoy athletic events in a
theatertheater

33. TheThe largest of all Roman baths was thelargest of all Roman baths was the
Diocletian,Diocletian, completed in A.D. 305 andcompleted in A.D. 305 and
covered an area of 130,000 sq. yards.covered an area of 130,000 sq. yards.
The Roman baths usedThe Roman baths used thethe HypocaustHypocaust
systemsystem for heatingfor heating the building and thethe building and the
pools. This under floor heating system had hotpools. This under floor heating system had hot
air heated from the basement fires flowingair heated from the basement fires flowing
between the brick or concrete columns whichbetween the brick or concrete columns which
support the ground floor.support the ground floor.
The warm air flows through wall ducts into theThe warm air flows through wall ducts into the
rooms at the baths and quickly heats them.rooms at the baths and quickly heats them.

34. In some baths the floors would be so hotIn some baths the floors would be so hot
that the bathers would have to wearthat the bathers would have to wear
wooden sandals to stop their feet fromwooden sandals to stop their feet from
being burnt.being burnt.
At one time, there were as many asAt one time, there were as many as 900900
public bathspublic baths in ancient Rome. Small onesin ancient Rome. Small ones
held aboutheld about 300 people.300 people.
The big ones heldThe big ones held 1500 people1500 people or more.or more.
Some Roman hospitals even had theirSome Roman hospitals even had their
own bathhouses.own bathhouses.
Children were not permitted.Children were not permitted.
The baths were not freeThe baths were not free

35. Trajan’s Bathhouse

36. Trajan’s Bathhouse

37. Roman Urban ArchitectureRoman Urban Architecture
Following were the building types used in RomeFollowing were the building types used in Rome
1) Temples 7) Towns & Gateways1) Temples 7) Towns & Gateways
2) Basilicas 8) Roman houses2) Basilicas 8) Roman houses
3) Theatres 9) Aquaducts3) Theatres 9) Aquaducts
4) Amphitheatres 10) Bridges4) Amphitheatres 10) Bridges
5) Circus 11) Fountains5) Circus 11) Fountains
6) Tombs6) Tombs

38. TemplesTemples
They were a combination of Greek &They were a combination of Greek &
Etruscan Temple. Greek temples hadEtruscan Temple. Greek temples had
balance, proportion, harmony, geometry,balance, proportion, harmony, geometry,
and symmetry. Greeks had a maximumand symmetry. Greeks had a maximum
span of 50. while Romans had a minimumspan of 50. while Romans had a minimum
span of 60. Greek temples were eastspan of 60. Greek temples were east
facing, Etruscan Temples were southfacing, Etruscan Temples were south
facing, and Roman temples had nofacing, and Roman temples had no
orientation requirements.orientation requirements.

39. It could be built in any direction.It could be built in any direction.
Romans were the first to build circularRomans were the first to build circular
temples.temples.
While Greek & Etruscan temples wereWhile Greek & Etruscan temples were
always rectangular.always rectangular.
Roman had circular temples with columnsRoman had circular temples with columns
in circles & main worship area was in thein circles & main worship area was in the
middle.middle.
Circle was used for variety.Circle was used for variety.

40. Pantheon Rome aerial view

41. InteriorExterior Overview

42. Pantheon
Rome

43. BasilicasBasilicas
They were the Halls of justice. ArchesThey were the Halls of justice. Arches
were for free movement. Above columns,were for free movement. Above columns,
there was the entry to the gallery.there was the entry to the gallery.

44. TheatresTheatres
Romans copied Greek theatres. ForRomans copied Greek theatres. For
Greeks, stage was very important. InsteadGreeks, stage was very important. Instead
of giving a central orchestra it was givenof giving a central orchestra it was given
below. Romans made a seating for thebelow. Romans made a seating for the
nobles because Rome was hilly. Corridorsnobles because Rome was hilly. Corridors
were beneath the seats. When it rainedwere beneath the seats. When it rained
people went in to the arched hollowpeople went in to the arched hollow
corridors to view the performancecorridors to view the performance

45. Roman theater of Marcellus

47. Amphitheatres/ArenasAmphitheatres/Arenas
Amphi- means "around" in Greek. They wereAmphi- means "around" in Greek. They were
usually outdoor arenas where one watchedusually outdoor arenas where one watched
sporting events They were specially designed forsporting events They were specially designed for
fighting of gladiators. It was elliptical, centrallyfighting of gladiators. It was elliptical, centrally
staged surrounded by audience from all sides.staged surrounded by audience from all sides.
They were calledThey were called arenasarenas.. Arena is a Latin wordArena is a Latin word
meaning special blood absorbing sand.meaning special blood absorbing sand.
Gladiators fought till death. Romans were veryGladiators fought till death. Romans were very
dramatic and, soft people. Gladiators were todramatic and, soft people. Gladiators were to
finish off this softnessfinish off this softness

48. Amphi-theatre

49. Colosseum ofColosseum of
RomeRome

50. CircusesCircuses
They were the stadiums built specially forThey were the stadiums built specially for
chariot racing, which were popular amongchariot racing, which were popular among
the rich nobles. One chariot was racedthe rich nobles. One chariot was raced
between 2 to 10 horsesbetween 2 to 10 horses
Money was lavishly spent on it.Money was lavishly spent on it.

52. The Circus MaximusThe Circus Maximus
The Circus MaximusThe Circus Maximus was the largest andwas the largest and
oldest, and was a public entertainmentoldest, and was a public entertainment
center. It was just a single, specific facilitycenter. It was just a single, specific facility
in Rome. The Maximus was used mostlyin Rome. The Maximus was used mostly
for chariot racing. It could seat 250,000for chariot racing. It could seat 250,000
people. Successful charioteers became sopeople. Successful charioteers became so
wealthy that even emperors envied theirwealthy that even emperors envied their
riches. There were also other circuses inriches. There were also other circuses in
ancient Rome.ancient Rome.

53. Roman TombsRoman Tombs
The dead were buried and lined outside the city walls or theThe dead were buried and lined outside the city walls or the
gateway.gateway.
They treated dead in two waysThey treated dead in two ways
CremationCremation (burning, after which the ashes were put in the(burning, after which the ashes were put in the
urn.)urn.)
BurialBurial (semi-mummified in cases)(semi-mummified in cases)
Later bodies were buried in cases. Both forms were used laterLater bodies were buried in cases. Both forms were used later
Tombs were:Tombs were:
Temple likeTemple like
Pyramid likePyramid like
SculpturalSculptural
MonumentalMonumental
CemeteriesCemeteries
They had a proper graveyard outside the city.They had a proper graveyard outside the city.

54. Pyramid likePyramid like TTombomb

55. Triumphal ArchesTriumphal Arches
To mark the triumph or victory of a ruler itTo mark the triumph or victory of a ruler it
was named after that person.was named after that person.
For example, Constantine’s ArchFor example, Constantine’s Arch

56. To mark the triumph or victory of a ruler itTo mark the triumph or victory of a ruler it
was named after that person.was named after that person.
A Triumphal arch (Arch of Constantine Rome)

57. Arch of Constantine RomeArch of Constantine Rome

58. Towns & GatewaysTowns & Gateways
Every important place had a separateEvery important place had a separate
gate. There was a main gate for the city,gate. There was a main gate for the city,
which had a grand entrance.which had a grand entrance.
Forums also had a grand entrance.Forums also had a grand entrance.
Main street junctions had arches.Main street junctions had arches.

59. Aqua Ducts, Bridges, FountainsAqua Ducts, Bridges, Fountains
Aqua-(water) ducts-(pipes). TheyAqua-(water) ducts-(pipes). They
designed terracotta pipes to supply waterdesigned terracotta pipes to supply water
Firstly, the bridges were made of timber,Firstly, the bridges were made of timber,
then with bricks & lastly with concrete.then with bricks & lastly with concrete.
Bridges were built over the water channelsBridges were built over the water channels
.They knew how to control rivers..They knew how to control rivers.
Romans loved water. Fountains were builtRomans loved water. Fountains were built
for beautificationfor beautification

60. Lacus:Lacus:
Romans built large fountain with a basin &Romans built large fountain with a basin &
a sculpture through which water came out.a sculpture through which water came out.
It was called lacus.It was called lacus.

61. THANK YOUTHANK YOU