Ciao e benvenuto a Roma
The city of the early Roman kings was said to be made up of three divisions, or “tribes” (tribus, a third part, from tres, three); people of Latin, Sabine and Etruscan origin settled on the hills, . They all soon came to be incorporated as a part of the whole city community. The three settlements were gradually united into a single city-state with common social, political, and religious institutions, Rome was born. By this union the new city became strong and able to compete successfully with its neighbours.The first walls were built around the Palatine by Romulus, first king of Rome.
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The form of urban public spaces in towns is an issue that has always been topical in democratic societies. An urban public space is a complex system where all components have their own specific roles. Not only its definition and spatial organization but also visual gardens or parks are important.
Streets
A street appears in a city plan like a line, connecting one place to another. A street is made up of residential homes as well as having a business function.
Streets in Rome, just like the rest of Europe, got inspiration from boulevards of Paris at the end of the 19th century: the large span of streets and the integration of alleys. An example of a boulevard of Rome, newly renovated in an creative way, is Viale della Pyramide Cestia.
Map 1.2 – Aerial map of Rome 1792
Squares
A square is the heart of the city: Squares in Rome are known as Piazza It is where social, political and cultural events take place. Like streets, squares also perform the business function or can be used just for staying there getting lost in time; however, they provide more space for various happenings, both from social and compositional points of view. The square has a distinct atmosphere, from intimate to monumental, for example St. Peters Square; Right in the heart of the Vatican city. It is known as the greatest square and is the majestic access to St Peter’s Basilica, the centre of Christianity. http://www.rome.info/squares/
Image 1.1 – St. Peters Square, Rome.
That’s all for this week,
Donna
Bibliography
Williams, R., 2008. From Romulus to Romulus Augustulus: Roman History for the New Millennium. Illinois USA: Bolchazy – Carducci
http://www.the-colosseum.net/history/maps.htm
https://liber.io/v/liberioEpub_5473bcb061901
Drawing From The Archives 