Roman Building: Materials and Techniques - Tapa dura

With over 750 illustrations, Roman Buildings is a thorough and systematic examination of Roman architecture and building practice, looking at large-scale public buildings as well as more modest homes and shops. Placing emphasis on the technical aspects of the subject, the author follows the process of building through each stage -- from quarry to standing wall, from tree to roof timbers -- and describes how these materials were obtained or manufactured. The author also discusses interior decoration and looks at the practical aspects of water supply, heating and roads.

Jean-Pierre Adam has been Director of the Paris office of the Institut de Recherche sur L'Archtitecture (CNRS) since 1972. He also teaches at the Ecole de Chaillot, which prepares architects for work on the historic monuments and buildings of France.