Ancient Roman Construction in Italy from the Prehistoric Period to Augustus

Abstract

THIS chronological study of the methods and materials used in Roman building is based on notes and photographs left by the late Dr. Esther Van Deman, who had been collecting evidence for many years for a work of this character. Originally it was intended to include all masonry in Rome and the vicinity from the earliest times to the fourth century A.D. or later ; but as it was impossible, owing to the War, to complete the necessary field work in Italy, the author decided to terminate her work with the reign of Augustus, while broadening her field to include sites from all over Italy, as a background to developments in Rome. After a preliminary introduction defining the scope and character of the monograph, there follows a chapter on the materials available for building and decoration, namely, stone, clay, metals and wood. A brief geological survey precedes the description of the various types of stone, the sources from which they may have been obtained, and the chronological significance of the choice of material. Timber construction was employed for a variety of purposes; but its use was limited by the scarcity of suitable trees near Rome, and private houses especially were largely built of sun-dried brick.

Ancient Roman Construction in Italy from the Prehistoric Period to Augustus

By Marion Elizabeth Blake. (Publication 570.) Pp. xxii+421+57 plates. (Washington, D.C.: Carnegie Institution, 1947.) 9 dollars.