Thursday, May 28, 2009

THIRD ENTRY: Rome

Roman's had many inventions that were used within design and architecture: plaster, reinforced concrete, stucco, terra-cotta, grout, masonry, and terrazzo to name a few. These materials aided some one the most important creations; even to this day....

*NOTE: Roman Time Line-753 B.C.-550. Their empire reached the edges of Africa, Britain, and Syria.


Etruscan Throne: made of bronze with relief carvings. The base is cylinder like with a backrest for support. Some studded hardware around the top for construction. Decorative accents of relief all around.

Barrel Vault: Another invention of the Roman's was constructed with concrete. This evolved from the arch (single) for doorways, windows, and niches. Then it was implemented for larger areas.

**A lot of Rome's furniture was lost in the fire of Pompeii, circa 70 A.D. This occured from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius volcano, spanning two days.


Lectus: The Roman couch was a high valued piece of Roman furniture. It was single, double and even triple in width and was used for sleeping or dining. Very similar and influenced by the Kline from Greece.

*Differences: the height this is lower than the Kline, and has a headboard and foot rest (both elaborately shaped and carved); not showed in image above.

  • Some had a back to resemble modern day sofa
  • Ropes or metal strips to support a straw or wool mattress
  • Silk cushions or costly textiles from the East was chosen for bedding

Sella: folding stool it was made of wood, bronze, or iron. It's crossed legs were sometimes straight (like above) , curved, plain, or imitating animal feet. Very similar to the Greek diphros.

*Lastly: The Pantheon one of Rome's Wonders! It has a classical pedimented portico in the front (triangular shape), Corinthian columns, a rotunda (round/ cylindrical in shape) at the back with an oculus in the centre. Oculus is a circular opening that was used to tell time.

Inside view of the Oculus:

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