The Origins of Concrete Construction in Roman Architecture
Technology and Society in Republican Italy

A study of the innovation and transfer of the building technology at the root of ancient Rome's architectural revolution.

Marcello Mogetta (Author)

9781108845687, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 24 June 2021

350 pages
25.4 x 17.8 x 1.9 cm, 0.796 kg

'… [a] stimulating work … the bold thesis will inspire much discussion, in no small part because it rests on a keen understanding of the evidence … [Mogetta's] efforts deserve broad readership and serious engagement.' Seth Bernard, American Journal of Archaeology

In this study, Marcello Mogetta examines the origins and early dissemination of concrete technology in Roman Republican architecture. Framing the genesis of innovative building processes and techniques within the context of Rome's early expansion, he traces technological change in monumental construction in long-established urban centers and new Roman colonial cites founded in the 2nd century BCE in central Italy. Mogetta weaves together excavation data from both public monuments and private domestic architecture that have been previously studied in isolation. Highlighting the organization of the building industry, he also explores the political motivations and cultural aspirations of patrons of monumental architecture, reconstructing how they negotiated economic and logistical constraints by drawing from both local traditions and long-distance networks. By incorporating the available evidence into the development of concrete technology, Mogetta also demonstrates the contributions of anonymous builders and contractors, shining a light on their ability to exploit locally available resources.

1. Introduction
2. Deconstructing Roman Concrete
3. A New Date for Concrete in Rome
4. A View from the Suburbium
5. Building Samnite Pompeii
6. Colonial Networks
7 Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Classical Greek & Roman archaeology [HDDK], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], History of architecture [AMX], History of art: ancient & classical art,BCE to c 500 CE [ACG]