James C. Anderson

In Roman Architecture and Society James C. Anderson, Jr., offers the first book to explore fully the place of architecture and the building industry in the context of Roman life. Focusing primarily on Rome and other cities of central Italy, Anderson describes the training, career path, and social status of both architects and builders. He explains how the construction industry was organized - from marble and timber suppliers to bricklayers and carpenters. He examines the political, legal, and economic factors that determined what would be built, and where. And he shows how the various types of Roman buildings relate to the urban space as a whole.

"This book provides a survey of the architecture and urbanism of Provence during the Roman era. Provence, or "Gallia Narbonensis" as the Romans called it, was one of the earliest Roman colonies in Western Europe. In this book, James C. Anderson, jr. examines the layout and planning of towns in the region, both those founded by the Romans and those redeveloped from native settlements. He provides an in-depth study of the chronology, dating, and remains of every type of Roman building for which there is evidence in Provence. The stamp of Roman civilization is apparent today in such cities as Orange, Nimes, and Arles, where spectacular remains of bridges, theaters, fora, and temples attest to the sophisticated civilization that existed in this area during the imperial period and late antiquity. This book focuses on the remains of buildings that can still be seen, exploring decorative elements and their influence from Rome and local traditions, as well as their functions within the urban environment"--