Digital Maps of the Ancient World

Architecture of Rome

Embark on a journey through the architectural marvels of ancient Rome with our meticulously curated reading list.

Immerse yourself in the groundbreaking research of esteemed scholars such as Boethius, Ward-Perkins, and Wilson Jones, whose works offer profound insights into the evolution of Rome’s urban landscape. From the grandeur of the Colosseum to the majesty of the Pantheon, explore the engineering feats and artistic innovations that defined the city’s skyline. Uncover the intricate relationship between architecture, politics, and society in ancient Rome, tracing the evolution of building techniques, urban planning, and monumental construction projects. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the legacy of Rome’s built environment, our curated selection of texts provides a comprehensive overview of the architectural legacy of the Eternal City.

General

• Claridge, A., Rome: an Oxford archaeological guide, Oxford, 2010, 39-61.
• Coulston, J. & Dodge, H., Ancient Rome: the archaeology of the eternal city, Oxford, 2000, Ch 6.
• Erdkamp, P. (ed.) The Cambridge companion to ancient Rome, Cambridge, 2013, Ch 16.
• Wilson Jones, M., Principles of Roman architecture, London, 2000.

Further Reading

• Fant, J.C., ‘Rome’s marble yards’ in JRA.14, 2001, 167-198.
• Heiken, G., Funiciello, R. & De Rita, D., The seven hills of Rome: a geological tour of the eternal city, Princeton, 2005.
• Lancaster, L.C., Concrete vaulted construction in Imperial Rome: innovations in context, Cambridge, 2005.
• MacDonald, W.L., The architecture of the Roman Empire: 1: An introductory study, London, 1982, Ch 7.
• Ward-Perkins, J.B. & Boethius, A., Roman imperial architecture, Harmondsworth, 1981, Ch 4.
• Ward-Perkins, J.B., Dodge, H. & Ward-Perkins, B., Marble in antiquity: collected papers of J.B. Ward-Perkins, London, 1992.