Using the examples of opus quadratum and opus africanum, this study discusses the interconnection between traditions and techniques of construction which typifies the architecture of North Africa between the second century BC and the early Imperial period. To understand how the Hellenistic and Roman traditions are grafted onto their predecessors, the analysis begins with the Phoenician period. New hypotheses are also proposed about the two techniques, based on typology and the construction process. The analysis does not confirm earlier hypotheses about their Phoenician origin. Opus quadratum was used at Carthage in the fifth century BC and spread from there during the second century BC, as exemplified by the mausoleum at Thugga. Opus africanum appears at Carthage in the seventh century BC, but the more complex versions are found both at Bulla Regia and at Carthage from the second century BC. The reasons for using this technique are clarified, starting from its diffusion in Morocco and by analysis of the Capitolium at Sala.

Camporeale, S. (2016). Merging technologies in North African ancient architecture: opus quadratum and opus africanum from the Phoenicians to the Romans. In De Africa Romaque. Merging cultures across North Africa. Proceedings fo the International Conference held at the University of Leicester (26-27 October 2013) (pp.57-71). Oxford : The Society for Lybian Studies.

Merging technologies in North African ancient architecture: opus quadratum and opus africanum from the Phoenicians to the Romans

CAMPOREALE, STEFANO
2016-01-01

Abstract

Using the examples of opus quadratum and opus africanum, this study discusses the interconnection between traditions and techniques of construction which typifies the architecture of North Africa between the second century BC and the early Imperial period. To understand how the Hellenistic and Roman traditions are grafted onto their predecessors, the analysis begins with the Phoenician period. New hypotheses are also proposed about the two techniques, based on typology and the construction process. The analysis does not confirm earlier hypotheses about their Phoenician origin. Opus quadratum was used at Carthage in the fifth century BC and spread from there during the second century BC, as exemplified by the mausoleum at Thugga. Opus africanum appears at Carthage in the seventh century BC, but the more complex versions are found both at Bulla Regia and at Carthage from the second century BC. The reasons for using this technique are clarified, starting from its diffusion in Morocco and by analysis of the Capitolium at Sala.
2016
9781900971331
Camporeale, S. (2016). Merging technologies in North African ancient architecture: opus quadratum and opus africanum from the Phoenicians to the Romans. In De Africa Romaque. Merging cultures across North Africa. Proceedings fo the International Conference held at the University of Leicester (26-27 October 2013) (pp.57-71). Oxford : The Society for Lybian Studies.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11365/1003425