Build Like a Roman

In this episode of Build Like a Roman, we look at the Roman carpenter and the wider world of ancient woodworkers. From the faber tignarius, or structural carpenter, to joiners, furniture makers, shipwrights, and military craftsmen, we explore how timber shaped Roman buildings even when the wood itself has long disappeared. This episode covers tools, training, collegia, timber supply, joinery, centring, roofs, and the technical knowledge behind Roman carpentry. ☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanGlossary – Episode 17: Roman WoodworkersAdze / AsciaA shaping tool with the blade set at right angles to the handle. Roman carpenters used it to square logs, trim beams, and work timber across the grain.CarpentariusOriginally linked to carpentum, a two-wheeled wagon. It gives us the English word “carpenter,” but was closer to wagon-maker than structural carpenter.CarpentumA Roman two-wheeled carriage or wagon.CentringTemporary timber framework used to support arches, vaults, or domes while masonry or concrete was being built and setting.Clavi LigneiWooden pegs or “wooden nails” used to fasten heavy timber joints.CollegiaRoman associations with professional, social, religious, and funerary roles. They were not exactly the same as medieval guilds.Collegia FabrorumAssociations of skilled builders and makers, including carpenters and other technical artisans.DowelA wooden peg used to connect or reinforce pieces of timber.Equisetum / HorsetailA silica-rich plant used as a natural abrasive for smoothing and polishing wood.FaberA skilled maker or technical artisan. The term could apply to several trades, not only carpentry.Faber TignariusA structural carpenter: literally a “maker of beams,” from tignum, meaning structural timber.Faber IntestinariusAn interior joiner responsible for doors, windows, panelling, stairs, ceilings, and fitted woodwork.Faber LectariusA furniture maker, especially associated with couches, beds, and fine domestic woodwork.Faber NavalisA shipwright or ship-builder. Publius Longidienus of Ravenna is an example mentioned in the episode.FabriPlural of faber: skilled makers, craftsmen, or technical workers.Frame Saw / Sega a TelaioA saw with a thin blade tensioned inside a wooden frame, allowing straighter and more controlled cuts.FreedmanA formerly enslaved person who had been manumitted. Many Roman artisans were freedmen.Funerary SteleA stone grave marker. Some Roman artisans used these monuments to display their tools and professional identity.KerfThe cut made by a saw blade. Setting the saw teeth wider than the blade helped prevent jamming.LibellaAn A-frame level with a plumb line, used to check whether a surface was level.Mortise-and-Tenon JointA strong joint where a projecting tenon fits into a matching mortise hole.NormaThe carpenter’s square, used for marking and checking right angles.OfficinaA workshop.Plane / RuncinaA tool used to smooth and level timber surfaces. Roman planes could have iron soles and wedge-held blades.Plumb BobA hanging weight used to establish a vertical line.Putlog HolesHoles left in walls where scaffold beams were inserted during construction.SecurisAn axe, distinct from an adze. The axe cuts more directly with or into the grain.Spring-Pole LatheA lathe powered by a flexible pole and cord, used for turning wooden objects.TignumStructural timber or beam. It is the root of faber tignarius.TornatorA woodturner who shaped timber on a lathe.Tree-Nail / TrenailA large wooden peg used in heavy carpentry and shipbuilding.VeneerA thin sheet of valuable wood glued onto a cheaper or more stable timber base.VigilesRome’s official fire and night-watch service, organised under Augustus.Wattle and DaubA walling system of woven rods covered with earth, clay, or lime-based material.Wood TurnerA specialist who shaped wood on a lathe; in Latin, a tornator.Vitruvius. De Architectura Adam, J-P. (1994). Roman Building: Materials and Techniques.Buy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roman Mosaicist created structural art using 'pixels' of marble. Some were functional and plain, some with standard geometric patterns while others were no less than works of art.Photos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYkf7mLF0qd/☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanGlossaryAedificiumLatin term for a building or structure. Relevant because Roman mosaics were not simply decoration but integrated architectural elements.Bedding LayerThe mortar layer into which tesserae were pressed during installation. Roman mosaicists needed to judge moisture content carefully to achieve proper adhesion and alignment.CubiculumA Roman bedroom or private chamber in a house or villa. Some contained geometric mosaics.DomusAn elite Roman urban house, often decorated with wall paintings and mosaic floors.Emblema (plural: emblemata)A detailed central mosaic panel, often pictorial and sometimes made separately in a workshop before installation on site. These often depicted mythology, theatre scenes, animals, or marine life.Lime MortarMortar made with lime and aggregates such as sand or crushed ceramics. Used in the layered construction beneath mosaics.MusivariusA Roman mosaic specialist, although the term more often appears in Late Roman and Byzantine sources and may sometimes refer to wall and vault mosaics as well as floors.Opus MusivumA Latin term associated with mosaic work, especially decorative mosaic surfaces.Opus SigninumA waterproof floor material made from crushed ceramic (usually tile) mixed with lime mortar. Often used as a subfloor beneath mosaics or as a finished floor in less wealthy buildings.Opus TessellatumThe most common Roman mosaic technique, using relatively standard-sized tesserae to create images or patterns.Opus VermiculatumA highly detailed mosaic technique using very small tesserae, especially for central pictorial panels (emblemata). The name refers to the worm-like flowing lines created around figures.Patron / Client RelationshipRoman building and decorative work often operated through patronage. Wealthy property owners commissioned artisan teams for decorative programmes.PavimentumLatin for a paved floor. Could refer to stone paving, mortar floors, or mosaic surfaces.PozzolanaVolcanic ash that could create hydraulic mortar when mixed with lime. More common in Italy than Britain, but important in Roman mortar technology generally. Roman VillaA rural elite residence. Villas in Britain frequently contained mosaics, especially dining rooms (triclinia) and bath suites.StatumenThe lowest structural layer beneath a Roman floor, typically compacted stone.RudusA compacted layer of coarse mortar and rubble placed above the statumen.NucleusA finer mortar layer placed beneath the visible mosaic surface, providing an even bed for tesserae.Tessella / TesseraeSmall pieces of stone, ceramic, glass, or marble used to create mosaics. Although often called “mosaic tiles” today, they are not tiles in the modern sense.TessellariusA mosaic worker or installer, often associated specifically with floor mosaics.TricliniumA Roman dining room. Wealthy triclinia frequently had elaborate mosaics intended to impress guests.Workshop (Officina)An artisan working group. Mosaic workshops likely included designers, stone cutters, apprentices, mortar labourers, and senior installers.Sources:Adam Rogers (2015). The Archaeology of Roman Britain: Biography and Identity. London: Routledge.  David S. Neal (1981). Roman Mosaics in Britain. London: Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies.David S. Neal and Stephen R. Cosh (2002–2010). Roman Mosaics of Britain. 4 vols. London: Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies.Roger Ling (1998). Ancient Mosaics. London: British Museum Press.Buy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.