Technology and Revolution in Roman Architecture

Explore the revolutionary impact of concrete on Roman architecture in this 71-minute lecture from Yale University's Roman Architecture course. Delve into the shift from practical applications to expressive possibilities as concrete became widely adopted in the late second and first centuries B.C. Examine early experiments in concrete construction, its use in sanctuaries, and innovations in Rome such as the Tabularium and Theater of Marcellus. Discover how concrete transformed the landscape at the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia in Palestrina, creating a terraced complex that blends architecture with nature. Learn about the contrast between innovative concrete structures and traditional Roman buildings, gaining insight into this pivotal period in architectural history.