The triumphs of Roman architecture were not confined
chiefly to sacred edifices. Roman temples, indeed, are mostly copies from the
Greek. In comparison with their originals, they lack grace and refinement.
There is less accuracy in the masonry fitting and far less careful attention to
details of construction. A frequent departure from Greek models is found in the
restriction of the rows of pillars to the front of the building, while the
sides and rear are lined with "engaged" columns to give the idea of a
colonnade. More characteristically Roman are vaulted temples, such as the
Pantheon, where the circular dome is faced with a Greek portico.
BASILICAS
Roman basilicas, of which only the ruins are now in
existence, were once found in every city. These were large, lofty buildings for
the use of judges and merchants. The chief feature of a basilica was the
spacious central hall flanked by a single or double row of columns, forming
aisles and supporting the flat roof. At one end of the hall was a semicircular
recess—the apse—where the judges held court. This arrangement of the interior
bears a close resemblance to the plan of the early Christian church with its
nave, choir (or chancel) and columned aisles. The Christians, in fact, seem to
have taken the familiar basilicas as the models for their places of worship.
