Lecture

Roman Life in Ostia, the Port of Rome

This module explores the architecture of Ostia, Rome’s port city, highlighting its residential buildings and public structures. Professor Kleiner emphasizes the use of brick-faced concrete in Ostian architecture.

Key points include:

  • The Forum and its public buildings.
  • Residential structures like the Insula of Diana and their significance.
  • The aesthetic appreciation of exposed brick in Ostian architecture.

Course Lectures
  • This introductory module presents a broad overview of Roman architecture, highlighting its diverse buildings and urban planning. Professor Kleiner discusses the evolution from early stone construction to iconic structures like the Colosseum and Pantheon.

    Key aspects include:

    • The significance of Roman concrete architecture.
    • Influences from various locations across the empire.
    • The lasting impact of Roman architecture on future design practices.
  • This module traces the origins of Roman architecture from the eighth century B.C. through the late Republican period. Professor Kleiner illustrates how early Roman temple architecture evolved from Etruscan and Greek influences.

    Key topics include:

    • The significance of early defensive wall constructions.
    • Technological advancements that facilitated architectural progress.
    • City planning in early Roman colonies, including Cosa and Ostia.
    • Early uses of the arch and concrete construction techniques.
  • This module discusses the transformative impact of concrete on Roman architecture during the late second and first centuries B.C. Professor Kleiner contrasts innovative designs with traditional structures, highlighting the shift in architectural philosophy.

    Key elements include:

    • The exploration of concrete's expressive potential.
    • A detailed examination of the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia.
    • The architectural techniques that allowed for expansive and dynamic structures.
  • In this module, Professor Kleiner explores the civic, commercial, and religious architecture of Pompeii, preserved due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. The lecture provides an overview of the public architecture of this vibrant resort town.

    Key highlights include:

    • Notable public buildings such as the forum, basilica, and temples.
    • Insights into daily life through structures like bakeries and fast food restaurants.
    • A discussion of tomb architecture in Pompeii and the fate of its inhabitants during the disaster.
  • Houses and Villas of Pompeii
    Diana E E Kleiner

    This module focuses on the domestic architecture of Pompeii, detailing the evolution of houses and villas from the fourth to the first century B.C. Professor Kleiner discusses the layout of the ideal domus italica and Hellenized domus.

    Key points include:

    • Analysis of the House of the Faun and its artistic features.
    • The role of the peristyle court in Hellenized domestic architecture.
    • A comparison of Roman houses to villas, highlighting unique architectural elements.
  • In this module, Professor Kleiner discusses the architectural features of Herculaneum's domestic structures and the First and Second Styles of Roman wall painting. The lecture reveals insights into Herculaneum's history and its residents.

    Key elements include:

    • An overview of notable houses like the Houses of the Mosaic Atrium.
    • A detailed exploration of the First Style, imitating marble walls.
    • Insights into the Second Style, creating illusionistic vistas on walls.
    • Discussion of the Garden Room from the Villa of Livia, exemplifying Second Style painting.
  • This module covers the development of Third and Fourth Style Roman wall painting during the late first century B.C. to the early first century A.D. Professor Kleiner analyzes how artistic approaches shifted over time.

    Key topics include:

    • The characteristics of Third Style painting, emphasizing flatness and muted architectural elements.
    • The emergence of Fourth Style, combining previous styles into a decorative compendium.
    • Examples from the luxurious Domus Aurea, showcasing both styles.
  • In this module, Professor Kleiner examines special subjects in Roman wall painting, including mythological and historical themes. The lecture highlights unique examples that enrich understanding of Roman artistic practices.

    Key highlights include:

    • An analysis of the Dionysiac Mysteries painting from Pompeii.
    • A frieze depicting Odysseus against a scenic background.
    • Exploration of still life and genre scenes in Pompeian painting.
    • A discussion of painted portraiture featuring notable individuals.
  • Augustus Assembles Rome
    Diana E E Kleiner

    This module focuses on Augustus' transformative impact on Rome, emphasizing his architectural contributions as the first emperor. Professor Kleiner illustrates how Augustus redefined the urban landscape through significant projects.

    Key elements include:

    • The Forum of Julius Caesar and the Forum of Augustus.
    • Connection to divine ancestry through architectural motifs.
    • The Ara Pacis Augustae as a symbol of Augustus' achievements.
  • Roman Tombs
    Diana E E Kleiner

    In this module, Professor Kleiner explores the diverse forms of Roman tomb architecture during Augustus' era. The lecture highlights the significance of commemorative structures in Roman culture.

    Key aspects include:

    • The round Mausoleum of Augustus and its architectural influences.
    • Unique funerary structures like the pyramidal Tomb of Gaius Cestius.
    • Insights into tombs for various social classes, including columbaria.
  • This module examines the architectural contributions of Nero and his successors in the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Professor Kleiner highlights the unique characteristics of their buildings and the architectural innovations they employed.

    Key topics include:

    • Tiberius' Villa Jovis and its architectural significance.
    • Claudius' return to masonry techniques and unique building styles.
    • Nero's lavish Domus Aurea and its impact on future architecture.
  • This module centers on the Flavian dynasty and the construction of the Colosseum. Professor Kleiner discusses the political significance of Vespasian's architectural projects and their impact on the populace of Rome.

    Key elements include:

    • The historical context of the Colosseum's construction.
    • Technical and aesthetic features that define the amphitheater.
    • Vespasian's subsequent buildings and their role in shaping public policy.
  • In this module, Professor Kleiner investigates the grand architectural commissions of Domitian, the last Flavian emperor. The lecture highlights the Imperial Palace on the Palatine Hill and its lavish features.

    Key highlights include:

    • The Arch of Titus and its historical significance.
    • The Stadium of Domitian and its architectural legacy.
    • The design and grandeur of the Imperial Palace.
  • This module analyzes the ambitious public architecture of Emperor Trajan. Professor Kleiner discusses Trajan's Forum and Markets, emphasizing their scale and design as reflections of Roman imperial expansion.

    Key topics include:

    • The restoration of the Forum of Julius Caesar.
    • The monumental Baths of Trajan and their architectural features.
    • The celebrated Column of Trajan and its commemorative function.
  • In this module, Professor Kleiner examines the architectural innovations of Hadrian, focusing on the Pantheon and the Villa of Hadrian. The lecture highlights Hadrian's contributions to the evolution of Roman architecture.

    Key aspects include:

    • The Pantheon's design and its significance in Roman architectural history.
    • The Villa of Hadrian's recreation of diverse architectural styles.
    • The Mausoleum of Hadrian and its historical context.
  • This module explores the architecture of Ostia, Rome’s port city, highlighting its residential buildings and public structures. Professor Kleiner emphasizes the use of brick-faced concrete in Ostian architecture.

    Key points include:

    • The Forum and its public buildings.
    • Residential structures like the Insula of Diana and their significance.
    • The aesthetic appreciation of exposed brick in Ostian architecture.
  • The Baths of Caracalla
    Diana E E Kleiner

    In this module, Professor Kleiner discusses the Baths of Caracalla and the broader trends in Roman architecture during the second and third centuries A.D. The lecture highlights the shift towards larger scale structures.

    Key topics include:

    • Overview of tomb architecture during the Severan dynasty.
    • The Arch of Septimius Severus and its architectural significance.
    • The colossal Baths of Caracalla and their impact on public life.
  • This module examines Roman architecture in North Africa, focusing on Timgad and Leptis Magna. Professor Kleiner discusses urban planning and architectural development in these significant Roman cities.

    Key elements include:

    • The ideal castrum plan of Timgad.
    • The gradual evolution of Leptis Magna and its Roman enhancements.
    • The architectural legacy of Septimius Severus and his impact on Leptis Magna.
  • In this module, Professor Kleiner discusses the baroque phenomenon in Roman architecture, highlighting its dynamic ornamental features. The lecture emphasizes how traditional design elements were manipulated to create lively facades.

    Key topics include:

    • The origins of baroque trends in Roman antiquity.
    • Architectural highlights from the Greek East, including Petra and Miletus.
    • The Sanctuary of Jupiter Heliopolitanus as a prime example of baroque architecture.
  • The Rebirth of Athens
    Diana E E Kleiner

    This module explores the rebirth of Athens under Roman rule, particularly during the reigns of Augustus and Hadrian. Professor Kleiner highlights key architectural developments that reflect the city's transformation.

    Key aspects include:

    • Monuments erected by Augustus and Agrippa on the Acropolis.
    • Hadrian's building program, including the Library of Hadrian and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
    • The ongoing exchange of architectural ideas between Greece and Rome.
  • This module investigates the architecture of the western provinces of the Roman Empire. Professor Kleiner emphasizes the process of Romanization and the establishment of Roman architectural types in newly conquered territories.

    Key topics include:

    • The urban design of Augustan towns in the provinces.
    • Roman building types such as theaters, temples, and aqueducts.
    • Notable examples, including the Theater at Orange and the Pont-du-Gard aqueduct.
  • The Tetrarchic Renaissance
    Diana E E Kleiner

    In this module, Professor Kleiner characterizes the Tetrarchic Renaissance and the architectural developments during the third century. The lecture discusses major commissions that reflect the Empire's stabilization.

    Key points include:

    • Diocletian's public building campaigns in Rome.
    • The architectural features of Diocletian's Palace at Split.
    • Major contributions from other tetrarchs in Greece and Sicily.
  • This module presents the architecture of Constantine the Great, focusing on his contributions to both pagan and Christian architecture. Professor Kleiner discusses the dynamic transition during his reign.

    Key highlights include:

    • The Baths of Constantine and their connection to the past.
    • The Aula Palatina at Trier and its significance for Christian architecture.
    • The Arch of Constantine as a tribute to his achievements.
  • This final module outlines options for the course's term paper, offering students the choice to conduct research on topics not covered in lectures or to design a hypothetical Roman city.

    Key components include:

    • Suggestions for research topics, including cities and monuments in the Eastern and Western Empires.
    • Guidelines for designing a Roman city of 10,000 inhabitants.
    • Requirements for pre-approval of topics by Professor Kleiner.