Build Like a Roman

Series one has finished. What's coming up in series 2?Here is a brief description of what's coming up in series two (and three) as well as a little about the first series.Thank you for your support in producing this podcast!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cw/BuildLikeARoman☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanBuy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing the first episode of "Build like an Egyptian" series from "Build Like an Ancient".Applehttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/build-like-an-ancient/id1887035779Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/312nAy9fvUvZaQbc2TWbFm?si=LF-PiVspT_mxLtZB9Bd-wAThe Egyptians - Mud Men and the First Monuments!To the surprise of many people, the ancient Egyptians built far more in sun dried mud-brick, than they ever id in monumental stone.See our photos on Instagram for this episode https://www.instagram.com/p/DW2YHHJiBpChttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_of_DjoserTechnical Glossary: Egyptian Mudbrick & Plaster•Db.t: The Egyptian word for mudbrick. Often written with the brick determinative. Refers to the material itself, not just the shape.•Hib: Egyptian term for a refined clay plaster, often mixed with powdered limestone. Smoother and brighter than plain mud plaster.•Mastaba: Arabic for "bench." The modern term for the flat-topped, rectangular tombs of the Early Dynastic and Old Kingdom periods.•Battered wall: A wall that slopes inward as it rises. Increases stability and sheds water.•Nile alluvium: The clay-rich silt deposited by the annual Nile flood. The base material for mudbrick.•Temper: Material (sand, straw, chaff) added to clay to reduce shrinkage and improve drying.•Gypsum plaster: A plaster made from calcined gypsum (calcium sulphate). The dominant finishing plaster in Pharaonic Egypt due to low firing temperature and suitability in dry climates.•Lime plaster: Plaster made from calcined limestone (calcium oxide). Requires higher firing temperatures (700-900°C). Rare before the Ptolemaic period.•Stratigraphy: In plaster analysis, the sequence of layers. Egyptian plasters show deliberate layering: coarse mud base, fine clay levelling, gypsum finish.•Silt (The Bulk): This is the "Goldilocks" particle size—smaller than sand but larger than clay. It provides the volume.•Clay (The Binder): Pure Nile silt actually contains about 30% to 50% clay. This is the "glue." Without the clay content, the bricks would just crumble into dust once they dried.•Organic Matter: The Nile "mud" was rich in decomposed plant matter, which acted as a natural plasticiser, making the mix easier to mould. It also helped (marginally) with tensile strengthBuy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So what is a Fresco?There were several types, most of which, most people haven't heard of.Would you be surprised that many of the Roman frescos that we "Ohh" and "Ahhh" over today, were considered ridiculous and tacky, but some Roman authorities of the time?Listen to this episode and learn something new about Roman Frescoes.Photos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXIBSuVl-4T/☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanGlossary for this episodeA seccoPainting carried out on dry plaster, using a binder such as glue, egg, or wax to help the pigment adhere. It allows finer detail than true fresco, but is less durable.AlbarariiRoman plasterers who applied and polished the fine white finishing coats on walls and ceilings.Buon fresco“True fresco.” Pigment mixed with water is applied to fresh lime plaster while it is still damp and setting, so the colour bonds into the wall surface itself.CalciteA mineral form of calcium carbonate.FrescoA general term often used loosely for wall paintingFresco seccoLiterally “dry fresco.” Another way of saying painting done on dry plaster rather than into a fresh lime surface.Hybrid fresco-secco workflowThe combination of a durable fresco base with additional details painted later in secco. This seems to have been common in Roman wall painting.InsulaeRoman apartment blocksLimeThe key binding material in Roman plaster and mortar. It was central to both construction and decoration.Lime washA thin coating of lime, often tinted, used to brighten or colour a wall. It could be simple, economical, and very common.Marble aggregateSmall crushed marble fragments used in fine Roman plasters to improve finish, density, and sheen.Mezzo frescoA term used for painting onto plaster that is no longer freshly wet but still damp enough to take pigment.MosaicA floor or wall surface made from small pieces of stone, glass, or ceramic. In Roman interiors, mosaics often worked visually with painted walls.Pictor imaginariusA specialist painter, especially one responsible for more refined or figurative wall painting.PigmentThe colouring material used in paint. Roman pigments could be cheap local earths or imported luxury substances.PlasterA coating of lime mixed with sand, marble dust, or other aggregates, applied in layers to walls and ceilings. In Roman interiors it formed the decorative skin of the building.PozzolanaVolcanic ash used in Roman mortars and concrete. More associated with structural work than fine painted plaster, but part of the broader Roman lime technology.SandiariiWorkers involved in transporting or handling sand and other raw materials used in plaster and mortar preparation.SinopiaA red ochre underdrawing or marking-out method. The term is often associated with later painting practice, though marking-out techniques in general were also used by the Romans.String lineA line snapped or pressed onto a plaster surface to guide straight borders, panels, or architectural designs.StuccoIn the Roman ContextFine decorative plasterTrompe l’oeilA painting technique designed to “fool the eye” by creating the illusion of depth, architecture, or open space on a flat surface.VitruviusRoman architect and authorWhitewash / whitewashingA simple lime-based coating used to whiten and brighten walls. In Roman interiors this could be a finished surface in its own right or a base for further decoration.Sources:Vitruvius, De Architectura (Book VII)Pliny the Elder, Natural History (Book XXXV)August Mau, Pompeii: Its Life and Art (1899)Roger Ling, Roman Painting (1991)Donatella Mazzoleni & Umberto Pappalardo, Domus: Wall Painting in the Roman HouseBuy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episode explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving structures.Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the Roman world.For students of archaeology, history, and art history — and for anyone interested in how ancient buildings actually came into being.North Africa and Western Asia are home to a multitude of Roman buildings. Some still used on a daily basis, others in ruins, but that's typically not the fault of the original builders. The fact that these still exist at all after 2,000 years or more is a testament to skill and creativity of the original builders.There are some great Podcast which look at Roman politics, history, and architecture, however in this Podcast, we focus on Construction history, that being building materials, techniques and and the people who did the work!From structures to frescos, we'll cover it all!Buy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the trailer for the Build Like a Roman podcast.Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episode explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving structures.Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the Roman world.For students of archaeology, history, and art history — and for anyone interested in how ancient buildings actually came into being.North Africa and Western Asia are home to a multitude of Roman buildings. Some still used on a daily basis, others in ruins, but that's typically not the fault of the original builders. The fact that these still exist at all after 2,000 years or more is a testament to skill and creativity of the original builders.There are some great Podcast which look at Roman politics, history, and architecture, however in this Podcast, we focus on Construction history, that being building materials, techniques and and the people who did the work!From structures to frescos, we'll cover it all!Buy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What were Roman floors like?We know about their mosaics, but what about clay tile? Stone slabs, mortar floors or floorboards?Photos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWj65iAl9ce/☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanGlossary for this episodepavimentum → floor / pavement (the visible finished surface)pavire → to beat down / ram / compactstatumen → foundation layer of large stonesrudus → compacted rubble layer bound with limenucleus → fine levelling layer (lime + crushed pottery/aggregate)contignatio (contignationes) → timber floor structure / framed floor systemtignum → beam / timbertessera (tesserae) → small cubes used in mosaicsopus tessellatum → standard mosaic work (medium tesserae)opus vermiculatum → fine mosaic work (very small tesserae, high detail)emblema (emblemata) → central mosaic panel (often pre-made and inserted)opus sectile → cut-stone flooring (shaped pieces fitted together)opus spicatum → herringbone brick/tile patternbasoli → large stone paving blocks (often basalt, used for streets/heavy use)opus signinum → lime + crushed terracotta with occasional insertscocciopesto → lime + crushed terracotta (no inserts)opus → “work” / construction method (e.g. stonework, brickwork)Sources:Vitruvius, De ArchitecturaPrimary source for Roman floor construction (Book VII, pavements; layered systems: statumen, rudus, nucleus).Pliny the Elder, Natural HistoryReferences to opus signinum and crushed ceramic flooring materials.Roger Ling, Roman PaintingIncludes discussion of decorative interiors and mosaic techniques.David S. Neal, Roman Mosaics in BritainKey work on mosaic types, techniques, and regional variation.Buy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was Roman window glass like?Well, to start with it had bubbles in it, you couldn't really see through and it was expensive.Listen to this episode to learn about Roman glass, what was it, where it was made, and by whom.Photos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWW4wx2lzbW/☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanSources:Archaeological StudiesIan Freestone (University College London): Freestone is widely considered the world's leading authority on the chemical provenance of Roman glass. Patrick Degryse, Glass-making in Antiquity: Isotope Analysis (2014): The definitive scientific text on using strontium and neodymium isotopes to track Roman glass back to specific Mediterranean beaches.Allen, D. (2002), Roman Window Glass: A specialized study that looks specifically at the architectural use of glass. Ancient Historical SourcesPliny the Elder, Naturalis Historia (Natural History), Book 36: This is the most famous source. Pliny describes the accidental discovery of glass by Phoenician merchants on the River BelusStrabo, Geographica: Writing in the early 1st century AD, strabo notes the unique properties of the sand to be melted into glass, highlighting the Levant's industrial dominance.Diocletian Edict on Maximum Prices (301 AD): A massive document of regulated prices across the empire. Shipwreck EvidenceThe Embiez Shipwreck (France): A 3rd-century wreck that was carrying nearly two tons of raw glass chunks and blocks from the East.The Grado Shipwreck (Adriatic Sea): Famous for carrying a massive cargo of cullet (broken glass) meant for recycling. Buy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to know what a 'Party wall' actually is? Give this a listen.This week, the Build Like a Roman Podcast is looking at Roman Wattle and Daub, Opus Craticium. A building style that was probably for more widespread than we'd think.☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanPhotos for this episode on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWBM5Ftl46c/This Episode's Translations:Opus Caementicium – Roman concreteOpus Craticium – Timber-frame wall with wattle or lath and plasterCraticii – Woven branch framework (wattle)Harundo – Reed used for lathingAssulae / Asseres – Wooden lath stripsTector – PlastererTrulla – Plasterer’s trowelTrullissatio – First coat of plasterFaber Tignarius – CarpenterParies Communis – Party wall (shared wall)Ambitus – Passage between neighbouring housesInsula – Roman apartment buildingPartire – “To divide,” origin of the word party in party wallFor students of archaeology, history, and art history — and foranyone interested in how ancient buildings actually came into being.North Africa and Western Asia are home to a multitude of Romanbuildings. Some still used on a daily basis, others in ruins, but that'stypically not the fault of the original builders. The fact that these stillexist at all after 2,000 years or more is a testament to skill and creativityof the original builders.There are some great Podcast which look at Roman politics,history, and architecture, however in this Podcast, we focus on Constructionhistory, that being building materials, techniques and and the people who didthe work!From structures to frescos, we'll cover it all!Hosted by Darren McLean.ktwsba7hBuy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the Build Like a Roman Podcast is about Roman plumbing, from the infrastructure to the delivery of it and the materials used.☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanPhotos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVycL_zl1zl/This Episodes Translations:Aquaeductus = water pipe or water tubeCloaca Maxima = Great SewerCurator Aquarum = Water commissionerLibratores = Surveyoraqua sub pressione = Pressure engineeringcastellum aquae divisorium = water distribution terminalquinaria = A measurement of waterFurtum aquae = Water theftVitium =  a fault, defect, or point of illegal tampering in the systemPlumbum = LeadAes = BronzeTubuli fictiles = Terracotta pipesRedemptor = a type of combined contractor, and project managerFor students of archaeology, history, and art history — and foranyone interested in how ancient buildings actually came into being.North Africa and Western Asia are home to a multitude of Romanbuildings. Some still used on a daily basis, others in ruins, but that'stypically not the fault of the original builders. The fact that these stillexist at all after 2,000 years or more is a testament to skill and creativityof the original builders.There are some great Podcast which look at Roman politics,history, and architecture, however in this Podcast, we focus on Constructionhistory, that being building materials, techniques and and the people who didthe work!From structures to frescos, we'll cover it all!Hosted by Darren McLean.Buy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that the Romans - and others, such as the Greeks - used asbestos as a woven fibre?They valued its fireproof nature and used it accordingly. They may also be the first culture to have recorded using PPE! ☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanBuild Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episodeexplores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, andmortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind survivingstructures.Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials beforediving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in theRoman world.For students of archaeology, history, and art history — and foranyone interested in how ancient buildings actually came into being.North Africa and Western Asia are home to a multitude of Romanbuildings. Some still used on a daily basis, others in ruins, but that'stypically not the fault of the original builders. The fact that these stillexist at all after 2,000 years or more is a testament to skill and creativityof the original builders.There are some great Podcast which look at Roman politics,history, and architecture, however in this Podcast, we focus on Constructionhistory, that being building materials, techniques and and the people who didthe work!From structures to frescos, we'll cover it all!Hosted by Darren McLean.Buy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why bury a Million nails?The Romans used a wide variety of metals, both ferrous and non-ferrous.Iron, lead, bronze, brass, tin and copper were all commonly used by the Romans.For structural connections, plumbing, door handles, decorative elements or any other practical use, in or for the home, the Romans had a solution!☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanThis Episodes Instagram image link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DU6MQ-JjVgl/Roman Metal Terms: Latin → EnglishFerrum → IronPlumbum → LeadStannum → TinAes → Copper alloy (bronze or brass)Cuprum → CopperCadmia → Zinc ore (used to make brass)Argentum → SilverAurum → GoldClavus → NailFibula → Fastener / clasp (sometimes a clamp)Fistula → Pipe (usually lead)Aes coronarium → Thin decorative bronze sheetAerugo → Verdigris (green corrosion on copper alloys)Note:The Romans did not separate “bronze” and “brass” the way we do today. Both were usually called aes — meaning copper alloy.For students of archaeology, history, and art history — and foranyone interested in how ancient buildings actually came into being.North Africa and Western Asia are home to a multitude of Romanbuildings. Some still used on a daily basis, others in ruins, but that'stypically not the fault of the original builders. The fact that these stillexist at all after 2,000 years or more is a testament to skill and creativityof the original builders.There are some great Podcast which look at Roman politics,history, and architecture, however in this Podcast, we focus on Constructionhistory, that being building materials, techniques and and the people who didthe work!From structures to frescos, we'll cover it all!Hosted by Darren McLean.Buy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is looks at the Romans use of timber, be it structural, joinery or temporary. Timber is somewhat of a forgotten material by most people who looking at Roman archaeology, mainly as there's so little of it left. This week we aim to give Roman timber, a little more of the limelight.☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanPhotos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUq9pxzjeyO/Term = DefinitionMateria: General term for timber (as opposed to lignum, which usually referred to firewood).•   Abies: Fir. The primary wood for long-span roofing due to its straight grain and high strength-to-weight ratio.•   Quercus: Oak. Valued for its density and used for "wet-work" or heavy load-bearing sills.•   Larix: Larch. Highly prized for its natural resistance to fire and rot; often used in maritime or bridge engineering.•   Contignatio: A timber floor or ceiling assembly. This refers to the entire system of joists and decking.•   Tignum: A general term for a structural beam or log.•   Trabs: A large main beam, typically horizontal, used to support secondary joists.•   Statumen: The secondary layer of a floor; cross-battens or "stiffeners" laid over the main beams.•   Scandula: A wooden shingle. Used for roofing before the widespread adoption of terracotta tiles (tegulae).•   Opus Craticium: A timber-frame construction method. It involves a wooden lattice (wattle) filled with mortar or clay (daub).  Oak (Quercus): The "Iron" of the Roman forest. Used for ground-contact sills and heavy-load lintels. Cato advises cutting oak only when the sap is down (winter) to prevent rot.  Fir (Abies): The backbone of Roman roofs. Sourced from the Apennines. Vitruvius (De Architectura, Book 2.9) praises Fir for its lightness and stiffness, essential for long-span trusses.  Larch (Larix): The "Fireproof" wood. Vitruvius notes its resistance to fire and rot, making it the premier choice for bridge pilings and high-moisture For students of archaeology, history, and art history — and foranyone interested in how ancient buildings actually came into being.North Africa and Western Asia are home to a multitude of Romanbuildings. Some still used on a daily basis, others in ruins, but that'stypically not the fault of the original builders. The fact that these stillexist at all after 2,000 years or more is a testament to skill and creativityof the original builders.There are some great Podcast which look at Roman politics,history, and architecture, however in this Podcast, we focus on Constructionhistory, that being building materials, techniques and and the people who didthe work!From structures to frescos, we'll cover it all!Hosted by Darren McLean.Buy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, the Build Like A Roman Podcast episode looks at the Roman use of Lime mortars, Pozzolans, a volcanic ash which modified the nature of lime, and how they produced concrete.The focus on this episode is lime from calcium based limestone. We'll look at limes derived from Dolomitic and Magnesium in the future. There deserve their own episode, given the difference between them and calcium limes. For one, they need vastly extended slaking time compared to calcium to avoid post construction expansion and other problems.☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanPhotos on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUaWnF2DfeTThe Episodes definitions:Opus signinum = Hydraulic flooring/render with crushed pottery in lime binder. Key in baths and water features; related to opus signinum.Opus Caementicium = Concrete (lime + aggregate)Binder – The cementitious component that coats and glues aggregate grains, hardening by chemical reaction and/or carbonation.Mortar – A plastic mix (binder + aggregate + water, sometimes additives) used for bedding and pointing masonry; hardens to a rigid, adhesive matrix.Plaster – As a noun, a finishing material for interior (and sometimes exterior) surfaces; as a verb, the act of applying a plaster/render coat.Stucco / Render – Historically imprecise. Can be lime-, gypsum- or cement‑based; composition and regional usage varyLime - Non-hydraulic lime (Air lime): Produced by burning relatively pure limestones. Sets slowly by carbonation. Common in Europe, Middle East, and India until the late 19th century.Lime - Hydraulic lime (Water lime): Produced from impure limestones containing clay/silica. Hardens under water. Widely used in Roman and later European construction.Gypsum - Used for internal plasters and decorative finishes. Rapid setting but not durable in damp conditions.Portland Cement- Patented in 1824 (Joseph Aspdin, Leeds).- By late 19th century, became dominant due to strength and speed of setting.- Conservation issue: often too rigid and dense compared to historic lime mortars, leading to damage in traditional masonry.Sands- Siliceous sands: durable, sharp, but chemically inert.- Calcareous sands: softer, more chemically compatible with lime binders, but less durable.- Volcanic sands: reactive, good pozzolanic properties.Plasticity – Ability to undergo permanent deformation without crackingFor students of archaeology, history, and art history — and foranyone interested in how ancient buildings actually came into being.North Africa and Western Asia are home to a multitude of Romanbuildings. Some still used on a daily basis, others in ruins, but that'stypically not the fault of the original builders. The fact that these stillexist at all after 2,000 years or more is a testament to skill and creativityof the original builders.There are some great Podcast which look at Roman politics,history, and architecture, however in this Podcast, we focus on Constructionhistory, that being building materials, techniques and and the people who didthe work!From structures to frescos, we'll cover it all!Hosted by Darren McLean.Buy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the Build Like A Roman Podcast episode is about fired clay, for bricks and roofs.☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanPhotos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUS--yyjTTR/The Episodes Translations:Opus vittatum mixtum (listatum) = Alternating brick and stone coursesOpus mixtum= Combination of stone and brick facingsOpus testaceum = Concrete faced with brick/tilesOpus vittatum / listatum = Banded tufa/brickOpus latericium / testaceum = Brick‑faced concreteOpus mixtum (reticulatum mixtum) = Mixed brick‑reticulatePedalis = One‑foot tile/brickSesquipedalis = 1½‑foot brick/tileBessalis = Two‑thirds brick/tileTegula = Flat pan tileImbrex = Cover tileLater / laterculus = Thin wall tileLateres Crudi = Unfired bricksLateres Cocti = fire bricksReading materials:Roman building: materials and techniques, Adam, JP (1994)Roman Building Techniques, Rook, T (2013)Roman Builders, Taylor, R (2003)Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episodeexplores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, andmortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind survivingstructures.Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials beforediving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in theRoman world.For students of archaeology, history, and art history — and foranyone interested in how ancient buildings actually came into being.North Africa and Western Asia are home to a multitude of Romanbuildings. Some still used on a daily basis, others in ruins, but that'stypically not the fault of the original builders. The fact that these stillexist at all after 2,000 years or more is a testament to skill and creativityof the original builders.There are some great Podcast which look at Roman politics,history, and architecture, however in this Podcast, we focus on Constructionhistory, that being building materials, techniques and and the people who didthe work!From structures to frescos, we'll cover it all!Hosted by Darren McLean.Buy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rome began with houses of mud-brick. Then came stone.This week, the Build Like A Roman Podcast introductory episode is about Stone, in particular Tuff, Travertine and Marble. While not used uniformly across the Roman empire, they were ubiquitous in the City of Rome and the surrounding region.☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanPhotos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUOEesoiHfq/Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episodeexplores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, andmortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind survivingstructures.Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials beforediving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in theRoman world.From structures to frescos, we'll cover it all!Hosted by Darren McLean.Term = DefinitionTuff = A volcanic rock (pyroclastic) formed from consolidated ash and debris. Easy to cut allowing for fast construction.Tufa = A sedimentary limestone formed by mineral precipitation from freshwater springs, much softer and less durable than volcanic tuff.Travertine = A hard, dense limestone with high compressive strength, formed in hot springs.Marble = A metamorphic rock (recrystallized limestone) that takes a high polish.Basalt = A hard, durable volcanic rock that was nearly indestructible but very difficult to cut.Limestone = A broad category of sedimentary rock with varying properties.Sandstone = A sedimentary rock whose strength varies based on its composition. Darker varieties are sometimes called "brownstone."Vernacular Building = The principle of constructing buildings using materials that are readily available locally, which often determined stone choice and led to regional traditions.Veneer / Revetment = Thin slabs of decorative stone (usually marble) used as a non-structural cladding over a cheaper core material to display wealth.Opus Quadratum = A construction technique using large, rectangular ashlar blocks laid in regular courses without mortar.Opus Africanum = A regional North African building technique which includes long vertical stone piers.Ashlar = Precisely cut and dressed stone blocks with regular faces and right-angled corners, used in techniques like opus quadratum.Lapilli = Latin for "little stones".Cramps = Metal fasteners used to secure stone blocks or veneer panels together.For students of archaeology, history, and art history — and foranyone interested in how ancient buildings actually came into being.North Africa and Western Asia are home to a multitude of Romanbuildings. Some still used on a daily basis, others in ruins, but that'stypically not the fault of the original builders. The fact that these stillexist at all after 2,000 years or more is a testament to skill and creativityof the original builders.There are some great Podcast which look at Roman politics,history, and architecture, however in this Podcast, we focus on Constructionhistory, that being building materials, techniques and and the people who didthe work!From structures to frescos, we'll cover it all!Hosted by Darren McLean.Buy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Description of the seriesThis episode is a welcome to the series, with an introduction to the Romans as builders and a description of what the following topics will cover.Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episodeexplores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, andmortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind survivingstructures.Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials beforediving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in theRoman world.For students of archaeology, history, and art history — and foranyone interested in how ancient buildings actually came into being.North Africa and Western Asia are home to a multitude of Romanbuildings. Some still used on a daily basis, others in ruins, but that'stypically not the fault of the original builders. The fact that these stillexist at all after 2,000 years or more is a testament to skill and creativityof the original builders.There are some great Podcast which look at Roman politics,history, and architecture, however in this Podcast, we focus on Constructionhistory, that being building materials, techniques and and the people who didthe work!From structures to frescos, we'll cover it all!☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanHosted by Darren McLean.Buy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.