Technological Innovation in Imperial Rome: What Can Ancient Concrete Tell Us About Roman Society?

Dr. Lancaster will introduce how Roman and modern concrete are
different and then trace the role that the introduction of concrete had on the development of imperial architecture in Rome, starting with the Colosseum in 80 AD and ending with the Baths of Diocletian in 305 AD. She will look at particular building methods relating to concrete vaulting that were developed to allow the builders to construct larger and more complex structures. She will then relate these techniques to the social and economic context in which they occurred and explore how this changed over time. Topics will include brick stamps and the development of the brick industry and its effect on social mobility, the eruption of Vesuvius and its effect on the availability of building materials, the marble trade and its effect on aesthetic expectations within society, and the effect of economic problems of the third century on construction in Rome. This lecture is a synopsis of some of the major themes in her recently published book, Concrete Vaulted Construction in Imperial Rome: Innovations in Context.

Co-sponsored by The Archaeological Institute of America Joukowsky Lecture and the Center for Ancient Studies and Archaeology at Willamette University

ASL sign language interpretation is available upon request thanks to an AIA Outreach Grant
by calling 503-370-6654.

Willamette University

Center for Ancient Studies and Archaeology

Address
Gatke Hall
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6920

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