This is second part of three-part series on Pompeii. Read first part here.
By Roquiyya Fatima
The architecture of Pompeii is a blend of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman architecture. Roman in turn influenced by the Etruscans. They have shaped the Roman architecture.
The excavation of Pompeii depicts the lifestyle, architecture, and art of that era. Frescos were popular in Pompeian art. It is present both outside and inside the buildings. But mostly common outside, as the Romans were fond of outdoor living that many other types of artworks are found at the exterior portions.
The places for entertainment were also common, which reveals the lavish lifestyle of the Romans. The multi-storied buildings with richly decorated walls and marble floors were quite evident. The houses were rectangular and without windows.
The rich had magnificent villas called Dumas (Russians probably picked up the name for their parliament from them). The entrance gateway led to the atrium (central hall without a roof), which was surrounded by different rooms and devoid of windows, and the drain pool was situated at the center of the atrium. Due to the Greek influence, the quantity of rooms increased, and even the gardens got the addition of a porch surrounded by Corinthian columns. The Dumas were richly decorated. There were dining rooms and living rooms, all richly adorned. For example, the house of Julia Felix, who was a rich Roman lady, had a private bath in her villa.
Corinthian Column
The houses of the middle and poor classes were much simpler in plan and design. Even the common houses show a rich lifestyle. Now let us know the architecture of the public buildings.
- Religious: Temple of Apollo, Temple of Jupiter. Temple of Isis, etc.
- Economic: Covered market, Main forum etc.
- Administrative: Basilica, Municipal offices etc.
- Entertainment- Amphitheatres, Theatres etc.
Temple of Jupiter
The Temple of Jupiter (Greek name: Zeus) was a main deity of the Romans is an example of Etruscan architecture, was built in 509 B.C, located on the North side of the Forum. It has a rectangular structure with a high podium, which is characteristic of the Etruscan style, about 13 feet tall, serving as the foundation for the temple. A single staircase, again, shows the Tuscany style, which aimed to focus on the façade or the front of the temple, which leads to the deep porch.
The Cella was divided into three parts called tripartite Cella, which is again different from Greek architecture, and contains two rows of columns and side aisles. The temple contains 3 deities- Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. The materials used in the building are wood for the columns, again different from the Greeks as who used marble and stones, mud and brick for the podium, and terracotta for the decoration. The pediment was simple as truly defining the Etruscan style. The top was decorated by statues. The building technique used for the podium is the ashlar masonry. The temple also got the back wall which is a vivid depiction of Etruscan style. Today, the building is in shambles.
Before the Romans conquered Pompeii, Apollo was the central deity. However, after their rule was establishment, Jupiter replaced Apollo as the chief diety. Jupiter was believed to be the king of all gods.
Basilica
It would be of great interest to note that the canon prepared by Hungarian father and son duo used in the siege of Constantinople by Sultan Mehmet ii was also named Basilica.
It dates back to between B.C- 78 B.C, and stood on the western side of the forum as a civil and political building. It is the first Basilica in the whole Roman Empire, and even the churches were also built in the same style for many years. Example: Old Saint Peter’s Basilica is a church in Rome, built in the same design and also found in Byzantine architecture. This led to the development of Christian architecture. Today, the structure is in the ruined state that most of the columns had broken and lost the roof.
It is rectangular in shape with columns inside (Peristyle). The main entrance is from the forum and an unroofed vestibule with five doorways. The building had three naves. This building resembles quite well with the Forum but the difference arises that it has got the large, double pitched titled roof unlike forum which is open above. The hall inside has got double Story with 28 fluted Ionic columns in the first story and Corinthian columns which is of smaller size in the second. It was built in the Greek style of both Ionic and Corinthian columns. Side walls are covered with frescoes. The tribunal is at the back of the basilica. The statue of Emperor Augustus was placed in front of the tribunal. He was the first Emperor of the Roman Empire. The Clerestory was lacking in this architecture. Later, it was introduced in the Roman architecture.
Amphitheatres
It is situated in the Southeastern corner of the city. The first preserved stone amphitheatre was constructed in 70 B.C. It even survived after the eruption. It is very simple in design, and the arena was excavated 6m below the ground level with earth from the excavations heaped up into the embankments that served as a seating area for the people.
People were seated according to their status, which accommodates around 2000 people. The Colosseum of Rome is based on this structure. The access steps are from the outside staircase. The outer walls are covered with graffiti. Masses gather around to see the gladiator battles.
Roads
Roads in Pompeii were highly developed. The stones between the roads act as a barrier or a speed breaker, and also a pathway to cross the road during the rainfall.
Conclusion
Pompeii was highly developed in its architecture, and the influences from various regions have revolutionized it. Like the Greeks, Etruscans, and even Italians were rich in building materials and good, hard stone, etc. The temple of the goddess Isis in Pompeii is an example of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architecture. Several buildings were rebuilt or repaired due to the earthquake that occurred in 62 A.D. This has also changed the original designs of some structures. Most of them are in ruined condition. Still, it defines the architecture of that age. The graffiti has played an important role in acquiring a plethora of information regarding the architects, people, etc.
The Pompeii has wiped out the map of the world for thousands of years, but still, it is a living example of Roman life, that how they used to live, the houses, food, society, religion, etc. The perished land is holding a lot of secrets that helped Archaeologists and Historians to know about the great Roman society and its architecture.
Roquiyya Fatima is Ph.D. candidate at the Department of History, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
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