Romans tended to build things that expressed their views, their eye for the future. The Romans were a family-type of culture. The homes that were built, were fashioned in such a way that they could hold large family gatherings (such as extended family). They had a community of family. Their bedrooms were extremely small. Sometime just little caverns in the wall where you would sleep. After all, what else did you need? Most of their life was in public. Accessibility was key. Fasces: (meaning) a bundle of sticks bound together. One stick is easily broken, but together they are impenetrable. (In our culture right now, the government is involved in the binding of those sticks). One way to bind people together is by having public spaces that are accessible and comfortable.
The Romans encouraged competition. This was shown by their gladiators etc. The Romans desired people of the Republic and later the empire, to have a competitive zeal. They even built certain buildings to encourage this.
They created the Colosseum so that there was a little cheering already. This automatically encouraged the rest of the people there to cheer also. Manipulation was the key thing here. They also made the seats to that you could easily stand up. They didn't just want you lounging around and watching...they wanted you to get involved.
They built forums (basically markets) in central places. This is where community flourished most. It was where everyone was brought together. Individuals came together to make a community. this was a model of a perfect culture.
The Pantheons were built also. These were the temples of the Romans. They were mostly dedicated to multiple gods. They were also man-centered. They portrayed glory and magnificence, but were mostly empty. How the idea of gods were reflected upon the people was shown inside these temples. they were mainly built for meditation on Rome. Rome was their god. The temples were a quiet and empty place. This was *very* different than all other cultures' temples. Everything in the churches and temples meant something. And it all reflected the religion being promoted.
Public spaces: administration of the empire. Their most prominent building was placed in the very center of the town. For the Romans, the most important building was the courthouse. What is really should have been the church. In the medieval ages, you would have found a church or cathedral in the center.
If you just look at a church's sanctuary, you can tell if they're truly Christian. Most churches today do not center the pulpit in the church. This is key, because it shows that you are centering God's Word preached. Some churches place the pulpit to the left or to the right, not centered at all. The Roman Catholics tend to place the mass in the center. This is partly religiously correct. They should not only have the table centered, but also the word. The sacrament, and behind it, the Word. Word and sacrament must and do go together.
The Romans encouraged competition. This was shown by their gladiators etc. The Romans desired people of the Republic and later the empire, to have a competitive zeal. They even built certain buildings to encourage this.
They created the Colosseum so that there was a little cheering already. This automatically encouraged the rest of the people there to cheer also. Manipulation was the key thing here. They also made the seats to that you could easily stand up. They didn't just want you lounging around and watching...they wanted you to get involved.
They built forums (basically markets) in central places. This is where community flourished most. It was where everyone was brought together. Individuals came together to make a community. this was a model of a perfect culture.
The Pantheons were built also. These were the temples of the Romans. They were mostly dedicated to multiple gods. They were also man-centered. They portrayed glory and magnificence, but were mostly empty. How the idea of gods were reflected upon the people was shown inside these temples. they were mainly built for meditation on Rome. Rome was their god. The temples were a quiet and empty place. This was *very* different than all other cultures' temples. Everything in the churches and temples meant something. And it all reflected the religion being promoted.
Public spaces: administration of the empire. Their most prominent building was placed in the very center of the town. For the Romans, the most important building was the courthouse. What is really should have been the church. In the medieval ages, you would have found a church or cathedral in the center.
If you just look at a church's sanctuary, you can tell if they're truly Christian. Most churches today do not center the pulpit in the church. This is key, because it shows that you are centering God's Word preached. Some churches place the pulpit to the left or to the right, not centered at all. The Roman Catholics tend to place the mass in the center. This is partly religiously correct. They should not only have the table centered, but also the word. The sacrament, and behind it, the Word. Word and sacrament must and do go together.
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