Hello Bloggers!
This week’s topic
will be based on the architecture of colonialism that is evident in a number of
historical centers around the world. Specifically, we will look at the Roman
colonial center of Timgad (Thamugadi) and the Wari military center of
Pikillacta. Each was built on the frontiers of their respective empires and
embodies important cultural and societal values. A comparative analysis of both
structures will provide a clear understanding of how space and place provided a
number of challenges for the occupying forces as well as provide a social
hierarchy within the structure itself.
Located
on the northern slopes of the Aures Mountains, Timgad provides a brilliant
example of Roman town planning at its height. Initially influenced by the
Greek, the Roman order eventually developed its own approach to planning that
was characterized by unity with large square blocks, strong grid lines and the
forum usually placed on the crossing of two major axes. The Timgad grid
consists a total of 144 blocks, divided evenly into four parts. The forum takes
up eleven blocks, the baths take up eight, and six blocks make up the theatre.
Any additional buildings were developed outside the grid. The Emperor Trajan
constructed Timgad, strategically sited at the intersection of six roads, as a
military colony in AD 100 and was frequently restored during the course of the
Empire. The site was intended strictly for the use of Roman soldiers as a
reward for their 25 years of service. One significant aspect to note about the
site is the public lavatory, which was positioned over a channel where
rainwater flowed and flushed away the waste. This is a great example of refined
Roman engineering and contributes to the Roman order of the structure.
__aerial_view__city_founded_in_100_ce1351966255086.jpg) |
| Timgad: http://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/524/flashcards/2219524/jpg |
The
site of Pikillacta is located in the Lucre Basin of Peru at the east end of the
valley of Cuzco. From a birds eye view the structure gives off the illusion
that it is developed on a flat surface, where in fact the site is constructed
over an elevated area with a 90m difference. Like the Timgad, Pikillacta is
based on a grid design that almost forms the perfect rectangle. The site also
has an impressive water system like Timgad that connects its water resources to
vast fields and terraces in the Lucre Basin. This allowed for the cultivation of
potatoes, maize and other crops. The exact function and reason behind the
construction of Pikillacta still remains unknown, and unlike Timgad, there is
no evidence of human occupancy. However, there has been scholarly speculation
that it was used as either a military base or religious center for ritualistic
activities. Whichever, the case, the sheer size of the structure and complex
engineering involved speaks to the power of the Wari Empire at the time.
 |
| Pikillacta: http://coloradocollege.edu/dept/an/TorresRouff/AN203/AN203nomura/WEBSITE/pictures/image-Pikillacta.jpg |
Both
sites discussed share some similarities in terms of their design and engineering.
They both follow a rigid grid plan, which illustrate an almost identical
blueprint when viewed together. The Roman and Wari Empire were clearly very
skilled engineers considering the complex water systems found on both sites.
Some difference include the functions behind the. Although they both acted as
centers that exuded colonial power during their respective height, Timgad was
more residential while Pikillacta was used for ritualistic events.
Thats all for this week!
-M
