Architecture

4th-century Roman domes

In the 4th century, Roman domes proliferated due to changes in the way domes were constructed, including advances in centering techniques and the use of brick ribbing. The so-called "Temple of Minerva Medica", for example, used brick ribs along with step-rings and lightweight pumice aggregate concrete to form a decagonal dome. The material of choice in construction gradually transitioned during the 4th and 5th centuries from stone or concrete to lighter brick in thin shells. The use of ribs stiffened the structure, allowing domes to be thinner with less massive supporting walls. Windows were often used in these walls and replaced the oculus as a source of light, although buttressing was sometimes necessary to compensate for large openings. The Mausoleum of Santa Costanza has windows beneath the dome and nothing but paired columns beneath that, using a surrounding barrel vault to buttress the structure. Domes made with ceramic vaulting tubes that have been dated to the 4th century include a 3rd-4th century bath at Valesio, 3rd-4th century bath villa at Curinga, 4th-5th century bath villa under the Church of St. Peter in Pava (Siena), and 4th century bath villa at La Befa (Siena).

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See also

• ▸Jerusalem Delivered
• ▸Core countries
• ▸Charles-Philippe de Patin

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