{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69/6985dd09ba7d04f1d408439a?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Roman Floors: Under Your Feet","description":"<p>What were Roman floors like?</p><p><br></p><p>We know about their mosaics, but what about clay tile?  Stone slabs, mortar floors or floorboards?</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Photos of this episode: <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DWj65iAl9ce/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.instagram.com/p/DWj65iAl9ce/</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>☕ Buy Me a Coffee - <a href=\"https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Glossary for this episode</p><p><br></p><ul><li><strong>pavimentum</strong>&nbsp;→ floor / pavement (the visible finished surface)</li><li><strong>pavire</strong>&nbsp;→ to beat down / ram / compact</li><li><strong>statumen</strong>&nbsp;→ foundation layer of large stones</li><li><strong>rudus</strong>&nbsp;→ compacted rubble layer bound with lime</li><li><strong>nucleus</strong>&nbsp;→ fine levelling layer (lime + crushed pottery/aggregate)</li><li><strong>contignatio (contignationes)</strong>&nbsp;→ timber floor structure / framed floor system</li><li><strong>tignum</strong>&nbsp;→ beam / timber</li><li><strong>tessera (tesserae)</strong>&nbsp;→ small cubes used in mosaics</li><li><strong>opus tessellatum</strong>&nbsp;→ standard mosaic work (medium tesserae)</li><li><strong>opus vermiculatum</strong>&nbsp;→ fine mosaic work (very small tesserae, high detail)</li><li><strong>emblema (emblemata)</strong>&nbsp;→ central mosaic panel (often pre-made and inserted)</li><li><strong>opus sectile</strong>&nbsp;→ cut-stone flooring (shaped pieces fitted together)</li><li><strong>opus spicatum</strong>&nbsp;→ herringbone brick/tile pattern</li><li><strong>basoli</strong>&nbsp;→ large stone paving blocks (often basalt, used for streets/heavy use)</li><li><strong>opus signinum</strong>&nbsp;→ lime + crushed terracotta with occasional inserts</li><li><strong>cocciopesto</strong>&nbsp;→ lime + crushed terracotta (no inserts)</li><li><strong>opus</strong>&nbsp;→ “work” / construction method (e.g. stonework, brickwork)</li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Sources:</p><p><br></p><p>Vitruvius, De Architectura</p><ul><li>Primary source for Roman floor construction (Book VII, pavements; layered systems:&nbsp;<em>statumen, rudus, nucleus</em>).</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Pliny the Elder, Natural History</p><ul><li>References to&nbsp;<em>opus signinum</em>&nbsp;and crushed ceramic flooring materials.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Roger Ling, Roman Painting</p><ul><li>Includes discussion of decorative interiors and mosaic techniques.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>David S. Neal, Roman Mosaics in Britain</p><ul><li>Key work on mosaic types, techniques, and regional variation.</li></ul>","author_name":"Darren McLean"}