Greek and Roman Architectural Theory

Mark Wilson Jones

Research output: Chapter or section in a book/report/conference proceedingChapter or section

Abstract

This chapter examines the theory of Greek and Roman architecture. It begins by considering the traditional understanding of theory as more important than practice before turning to a discussion of Vitruvius’s treatise De architectura and his theory on architecture, particularly his ideas about the principles of symmetria, eurythmia, and decor. It then explores the design of ancient buildings and the theories underlying their construction. It shows that theoretical aspects of architecture emerged in ancient Greece and Rome over the course of the Classical and Hellenistic periods, which were consolidated by Vitruvius in his treatise. The chapter concludes by highlighting how theory related in a meaningful way to practice.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Art and Architecture
EditorsClemente Marconi
Place of PublicationOxford and New York
PublisherOxford University Press
Pages41-69
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2014

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