Build Like a Roman

Ep. 004 - Roman Lime, Pozzolana and ConcreteIn this episode, the Build Like A Roman Podcast episode looks at the Roman use of Lime mortars, Pozzolans, a volcanic ash which modified the nature of lime, and how they produced concrete.The focus on this episode is lime from calcium based limestone. We'll look at limes derived from Dolomitic and Magnesium in the future. There deserve their own episode, given the difference between them and calcium limes. For one, they need vastly extended slaking time compared to calcium to avoid post construction expansion and other problems.☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanPhotos on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUaWnF2DfeTThe Episodes definitions:Opus signinum = Hydraulic flooring/render with crushed pottery in lime binder. Key in baths and water features; related to opus signinum.Opus Caementicium = Concrete (lime + aggregate)Binder – The cementitious component that coats and glues aggregate grains, hardening by chemical reaction and/or carbonation.Mortar – A plastic mix (binder + aggregate + water, sometimes additives) used for bedding and pointing masonry; hardens to a rigid, adhesive matrix.Plaster – As a noun, a finishing material for interior (and sometimes exterior) surfaces; as a verb, the act of applying a plaster/render coat.Stucco / Render – Historically imprecise. Can be lime-, gypsum- or cement‑based; composition and regional usage varyLime - Non-hydraulic lime (Air lime): Produced by burning relatively pure limestones. Sets slowly by carbonation. Common in Europe, Middle East, and India until the late 19th century.Lime - Hydraulic lime (Water lime): Produced from impure limestones containing clay/silica. Hardens under water. Widely used in Roman and later European construction.Gypsum - Used for internal plasters and decorative finishes. Rapid setting but not durable in damp conditions.Portland Cement- Patented in 1824 (Joseph Aspdin, Leeds).- By late 19th century, became dominant due to strength and speed of setting.- Conservation issue: often too rigid and dense compared to historic lime mortars, leading to damage in traditional masonry.Sands- Siliceous sands: durable, sharp, but chemically inert.- Calcareous sands: softer, more chemically compatible with lime binders, but less durable.- Volcanic sands: reactive, good pozzolanic properties.Plasticity – Ability to undergo permanent deformation without cracking

Ep. 002 - Rome began with wooden huts, then came stoneThis week, the Build Like A Roman Podcast introductory episode is about Stone, in particular Tuff, Travertine and Marble. While not used uniformly across the Roman empire, they were ubiquitous in the City of Rome and the surrounding region.☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanPhotos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUOEesoiHfq/Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episodeexplores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, andmortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind survivingstructures.Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials beforediving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in theRoman world.For students of archaeology, history, and art history — and foranyone interested in how ancient buildings actually came into being.North Africa and Western Asia are home to a multitude of Romanbuildings. Some still used on a daily basis, others in ruins, but that'stypically not the fault of the original builders. The fact that these stillexist at all after 2,000 years or more is a testament to skill and creativityof the original builders.There are some great Podcast which look at Roman politics,history, and architecture, however in this Podcast, we focus on Constructionhistory, that being building materials, techniques and and the people who didthe work!From structures to frescos, we'll cover it all!Hosted by Darren McLean.

This episode is a welcome to the series, with an introduction to the Romans as builders and a description of what the following topics will cover.Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episodeexplores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, andmortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind survivingstructures.Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials beforediving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in theRoman world.For students of archaeology, history, and art history — and foranyone interested in how ancient buildings actually came into being.North Africa and Western Asia are home to a multitude of Romanbuildings. Some still used on a daily basis, others in ruins, but that'stypically not the fault of the original builders. The fact that these stillexist at all after 2,000 years or more is a testament to skill and creativityof the original builders.There are some great Podcast which look at Roman politics,history, and architecture, however in this Podcast, we focus on Constructionhistory, that being building materials, techniques and and the people who didthe work!From structures to frescos, we'll cover it all!☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanHosted by Darren McLean.

This is the trailer for the Build Like a Roman podcast.