Architecture Three Grand Examples of Roman Architectural

Architecture Three grand examples of Roman Architectural ingenuity represent the standards set by the Roman culture for the centralization of space. Serving a central purpose all three, the Domus Aurea, built between 64-68 AD, the Pantheon in Rome, built around 118-128 AD and the Mausoleum of Diocletian in Split, built around 300 AD The later architectural designs and constructions of the early Christians and the Byzantine culture can be said to be direct reflections of the centralized planning and structures of their Pagan ancestors, the Romans.

Though adaptations clearly took place the traditions of the Roman planners are clearly represented within these later works. The Domus Aurea, built between 64-68 AD as a palace and central administration for the emperor Nero after the great fire is based around an octagonal plan with a central open air lake and garden. The Domus Aurea is often thought of as a benchmark for the building of grand homes in the Roman tradition.

Built by a much-hated Emperor at a time when the Roman economy was challenged by the catastrophic fire the palace was eventually completely destroyed to be replaced by the second example. The Pantheon in Rome, built around 118-128 AD, as a central arena for regality and entertainment, is probably though of as the most memorable and lasting legacy of the Roman architectural culture and the Mausoleum of Diocletian in Split, built around 300 AD and used in time as both a palace and a place of worship.

The Different forms, functions and associated meanings of each building might give the impression that Roman architecture both admired and emulated centralized construction and use. The inner sanctums of these three buildings were the public places of private sanctuaries.

To further explain this idea one must understand that in the central areas of both palaces, the Domus Aurea and the Mausoleum of Diocletian represented the heart of the home and/or building, as the public interactions associated with family and even authority took place within the central reaches of the structures.

Though the Coliseum's function as it is better known today, displays of graphic cruelty may make this seem different than that of the palace examples the Coliseum also hosted many events associated with the emperors' pomp, influence and power and to some extent the same can be said of even the most bloody of the real life theatrics as they represented the power and politics of the central authority.

Stepping forward in time it is also clear that the influential standards of the centralized building style reached forward in time either by necessity, as can be seen in the later strongholds of the early Christian and Byzantine cultures as well as the centralized planning of places of worship.

Though many later religious and public structures were based upon the shape of the cross they were also clearly designed with a central altar as a place for public rather than private demonstrations, much the same as their predecessors, even more so in the case of the Coliseum's function,.