Colonial Architecture

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.

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