Roman Architecture Transformation into Christian Architecture - Essay Example

Roman Architecture Transformation into Christian Architecture Roman Architecture actually was inspired by the Etruscans. Little is known about theEtruscans, but many Roman structures were built on Etruscans ruins. Just like the Romans built on Etruscans ruins, when Christianity spread, many Roman temples and structures were converted into Christian Churches and structures. This paper will examine how Roman Architecture transformed into Christian Architecture. Roman Architecture had specific structural features.

The Roman Architecture was influenced by the Etruscans and the Greeks. One attribute the Romans brought to their structures were arches built with post and lintel. Roman Architecture used arches as a basic design for their structures. Columns were used as decorations, or ramparts supporting the arches. Romans also used concrete to create structures instead of cutting stones. Stucco was also used to finish buildings. Also used was alabaster, porphyry, or marble. By employing these methods, the intricate interior spaces could be created within vaults.

This was accomplished without internal supports. Domes and semi-domes were then able to be created by Roman architects. Although Roman architects borrowed from the Etruscans and Greeks, the invention of concrete allowed for more creativity in design. The colonnade is an example of this creativity. Colonnades were lines of ornamental columns in front of a load bearing wall. This allowed for greater patterned beauty on the walls. Floor plans were also given more freedom by concrete.

Instead of the tedious rectangular shape caused by cut stones, more circular designs could be employed in the buildings. Roman concrete was a combination of lime mortar, water, sand, and stones. When Christianity swept the Roman Empire, Christian inspired architecture converted some Roman structures, while building structures influenced Roman Architecture. An example of this influence is the basilica. The basilica was built by the Romans as buildings for business and courts. These buildings were rectangular, with an interior portico and apses at opposite ends of the building.

Since the basilica had spacious interiors, Christians acclimatize into building their formations. A famous basilica is the Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City. This famous basilica has the traditional dome. Michelangelo designed the drum of Saint Peters. Domenico Fontana built the lantern. Della Porta designed the dome. He used a paraboloid with a vertical thrust. This is more extraordinary ribbing that emerges from two columns. These columns absorb the outward thrust of weight from the dome.

The double dome was built using brick. This basilica has four piers of crossing using supports. The drum has arches all the way around that have clearly been inspired by Roman Architecture. A famous converted Roman structure is the Pantheon. The Pantheon was originally a temple for seven deities, but latter was converted into a church. The Church of Mary and the Martyr Saints has been the name of the Pantheon since the 7th century. The roof has been removed and renovated, along with exterior marble, and all of the statues made of marble.

The bronze renovated ceilings were melted down, but the bronze doors have survived, although they were restored due to the decay of time. Originally the building was built with concrete, granite, bronze, gold, and marble. The Pantheon is constructed in a round shape. The structure has three lines of granite columns on the portico. A pediment unlocks into a grand rotunda beneath the dome. The dome is constructed of concrete with a centred opening. This opening is only possible because of the concrete used as building material.

Roman Architecture definitely transformed in Christian Architecture. Whether influencing Christian architects to having architects build on to their existing structures, Roman Architecture transformed into Christian Architecture. The buildings that survived the test of time is a testimony to this fact.