Build Like a Roman

Lath, Reed, and Wattle - Roman Walls and Ceilings

Build Like a Roman

Show Notes

Want to know what a 'Party wall' actually is? Give this a listen.

This week, the Build Like a Roman Podcast is looking at Roman Wattle and Daub, Opus Craticium. A building style that was probably for more widespread than we'd think.

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This Episode's Translations: Opus Caementicium – Roman concrete Opus Craticium – Timber-frame wall with wattle or lath and plaster Craticii – Woven branch framework (wattle) Harundo – Reed used for lathing Assulae / Asseres – Wooden lath strips Tector – Plasterer Trulla – Plasterer’s trowel Trullissatio – First coat of plaster Faber Tignarius – Carpenter Paries Communis – Party wall (shared wall) Ambitus – Passage between neighbouring houses Insula – Roman apartment building Partire – “To divide,” origin of the word party in party wall

For students of archaeology, history, and art history — and for anyone interested in how ancient buildings actually came into being. North Africa and Western Asia are home to a multitude of Roman buildings. Some still used on a daily basis, others in ruins, but that's typically not the fault of the original builders. The fact that these still exist at all after 2,000 years or more is a testament to skill and creativity of the original builders.

There are some great Podcast which look at Roman politics, history, and architecture, however in this Podcast, we focus on Construction history, that being building materials, techniques and and the people who did the work!

From structures to frescos, we'll cover it all!

Hosted by Darren McLean.

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