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The Square and the Roman House: Architecture and Decoration at Pompeii and Herculaneum

In: Architecture and Mathematics from Antiquity to the Future

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  • Carol Martin Watts

    (Kansas State University, The College of Architecture, Planning & Design)

Abstract

The domus is the ancient Roman single-family urban house type, best known from the excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum. Analysis of a number of houses at these sites suggests that two simple geometric systems, both based on the square, underlie the design of the Roman house at all scales. One of these is the ad quadratum, or square root of 2 progression. A related system is known as the “sacred cut.” These geometric systems explain the proportional relationships that are found in the overall shape of the house site and its organization and subdivision. The geometry and dimensions based on the “regulating square” of the house as a whole appears to determine the proportions of volumes of space throughout the house. These systems apply to the composition of the wall painting and pavement patterns within the rooms as well.

Suggested Citation

  • Carol Martin Watts, 2015. "The Square and the Roman House: Architecture and Decoration at Pompeii and Herculaneum," Springer Books, in: Kim Williams & Michael J. Ostwald (ed.), Architecture and Mathematics from Antiquity to the Future, edition 127, chapter 0, pages 201-213, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-319-00137-1_14
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-00137-1_14
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