Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
subsequent centuries a three-way battle for domination ensued, with the Romans emerging
victorious. Against this background, Roman architects initially borrowed heavily from
Greek and Etruscan traditions.
Ancient Roman architecture was monumental in form and often propagandistic in
nature. Huge amphitheatres, aqueducts and temples joined muscular and awe-inspiring ba-
silicas, arches and thermal baths in trumpeting the skill and vision of the city's early rulers
and the nameless architects who worked for them.
ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME
The Romans were the great road builders of the ancient world. Approximately 80,000km of surfaced highways
spanned the Roman Empire, providing vital military and communication links. Many of modern Rome's roads re-
tain the names of their ancient forebears and follow almost identical routes.
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Via Appia
The 'queen of roads' ran down to Brindisi on the southern Adriatic coast.
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Via Aurelia
Connected Rome with France by way of Pisa and Genoa.
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Via Cassia
Led north to Viterbo, Siena and Tuscany.
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Via Flaminia
Traversed the Apennines to Rimini on the east coast.
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Via Salaria
The old salt road linked with the Adriatic port of Castrum Truentinum, south of modern-day
Ancona.
Temples
Early Republican-era temples were based on Etruscan designs, but over time the Romans
turned to the Greeks for their inspiration. But whereas Greek temples had steps and colon-
nades on all sides, the classic Roman temple had a high podium with steps leading up to a
deep porch. Good examples include the Tempio di Portunus near Piazza Bocca della Ver-
ità, and, though they're not so well preserved, the temples in the Area Sacra di Largo di
Torre Argentina. These temples also illustrate another important feature of Roman archi-
tectural thinking. While Greek temples were designed to stand apart and be viewed from
all sides, Roman temples were built into the city's urban fabric, set in busy central loca-
tions and designed to be approached from the front.
