60 acast.com Build Like a Roman https://shows.acast.com/building-the-roman-way en Darren McLean Romans, Roman,Architecture, Construction History,Construction,Brick,Masonry,Lime,Mortar,Carpentry,stonemasonry,colosseum,aquaduct,Roman History,History of Rome Darren McLean Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.


Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episode explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving structures.


Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the Roman world.


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 on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.


Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episode explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving structures.


Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the Roman world.


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 on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> false Darren McLean info+68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69@mg-eu.acast.com 68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69 building-the-roman-way episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69/1756213348274-f2400f03-89d2-4d40-96ad-707c224d6f94.jpeg https://shows.acast.com/building-the-roman-way Build Like a Roman ca7bea10-fef0-11f0-9b77-7593537ad724 Introducing the Build Like an Egyptian series from Build Like and Ancient Introducing the Build Like an Egyptian series from Build Like and Ancient Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:00:00 GMT 18:34 69deaf3c964c5cf3164c7525 false https://Ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman 69deaf3c964c5cf3164c7525 68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69 introducing-the-build-like-an-egyptian-series-from-build-lik S01E13 bonus 1 13 Introducing the first episode of "Build like an Egyptian" series from "Build Like an Ancient".


Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/build-like-an-ancient/id1887035779


Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/312nAy9fvUvZaQbc2TWbFm?si=LF-PiVspT_mxLtZB9Bd-wA


The Egyptians - Mud Men and the First Monuments!


To the surprise of many people, the ancient Egyptians built far more in sun dried mud-brick, than they ever id in monumental stone.


See our photos on Instagram for this episode https://www.instagram.com/p/DW2YHHJiBpC


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_of_Djoser


Technical Glossary: Egyptian Mudbrick & Plaster

•Db.t: The Egyptian word for mudbrick. Often written with the brick determinative. Refers to the material itself, not just the shape.

•Hib: Egyptian term for a refined clay plaster, often mixed with powdered limestone. Smoother and brighter than plain mud plaster.

•Mastaba: Arabic for "bench." The modern term for the flat-topped, rectangular tombs of the Early Dynastic and Old Kingdom periods.

•Battered wall: A wall that slopes inward as it rises. Increases stability and sheds water.

•Nile alluvium: The clay-rich silt deposited by the annual Nile flood. The base material for mudbrick.

•Temper: Material (sand, straw, chaff) added to clay to reduce shrinkage and improve drying.

•Gypsum plaster: A plaster made from calcined gypsum (calcium sulphate). The dominant finishing plaster in Pharaonic Egypt due to low firing temperature and suitability in dry climates.

•Lime plaster: Plaster made from calcined limestone (calcium oxide). Requires higher firing temperatures (700-900°C). Rare before the Ptolemaic period.

•Stratigraphy: In plaster analysis, the sequence of layers. Egyptian plasters show deliberate layering: coarse mud base, fine clay levelling, gypsum finish.

•Silt (The Bulk): This is the "Goldilocks" particle size—smaller than sand but larger than clay. It provides the volume.

•Clay (The Binder): Pure Nile silt actually contains about 30% to 50% clay. This is the "glue." Without the clay content, the bricks would just crumble into dust once they dried.

•Organic Matter: The Nile "mud" was rich in decomposed plant matter, which acted as a natural plasticiser, making the mix easier to mould. It also helped (marginally) with tensile strength


Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Introducing the first episode of "Build like an Egyptian" series from "Build Like an Ancient".


Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/build-like-an-ancient/id1887035779


Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/312nAy9fvUvZaQbc2TWbFm?si=LF-PiVspT_mxLtZB9Bd-wA


The Egyptians - Mud Men and the First Monuments!


To the surprise of many people, the ancient Egyptians built far more in sun dried mud-brick, than they ever id in monumental stone.


See our photos on Instagram for this episode https://www.instagram.com/p/DW2YHHJiBpC


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_of_Djoser


Technical Glossary: Egyptian Mudbrick & Plaster

•Db.t: The Egyptian word for mudbrick. Often written with the brick determinative. Refers to the material itself, not just the shape.

•Hib: Egyptian term for a refined clay plaster, often mixed with powdered limestone. Smoother and brighter than plain mud plaster.

•Mastaba: Arabic for "bench." The modern term for the flat-topped, rectangular tombs of the Early Dynastic and Old Kingdom periods.

•Battered wall: A wall that slopes inward as it rises. Increases stability and sheds water.

•Nile alluvium: The clay-rich silt deposited by the annual Nile flood. The base material for mudbrick.

•Temper: Material (sand, straw, chaff) added to clay to reduce shrinkage and improve drying.

•Gypsum plaster: A plaster made from calcined gypsum (calcium sulphate). The dominant finishing plaster in Pharaonic Egypt due to low firing temperature and suitability in dry climates.

•Lime plaster: Plaster made from calcined limestone (calcium oxide). Requires higher firing temperatures (700-900°C). Rare before the Ptolemaic period.

•Stratigraphy: In plaster analysis, the sequence of layers. Egyptian plasters show deliberate layering: coarse mud base, fine clay levelling, gypsum finish.

•Silt (The Bulk): This is the "Goldilocks" particle size—smaller than sand but larger than clay. It provides the volume.

•Clay (The Binder): Pure Nile silt actually contains about 30% to 50% clay. This is the "glue." Without the clay content, the bricks would just crumble into dust once they dried.

•Organic Matter: The Nile "mud" was rich in decomposed plant matter, which acted as a natural plasticiser, making the mix easier to mould. It also helped (marginally) with tensile strength


Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Roman Frescoes: Not Just a Pretty Face Roman Frescoes: Not Just a Pretty Face Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:26:16 GMT 13:25 698607a545f62cfe94f58cfd false https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman 698607a545f62cfe94f58cfd 68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69 roman-frescoes-not-just-a-pretty-face S01E12 full 1 12 So what is a Fresco?


There were several types, most of which, most people haven't heard of.


Would you be surprised that many of the Roman frescos that we "Ohh" and "Ahhh" over today, were considered ridiculous and tacky, but some Roman authorities of the time?


Listen to this episode and learn something new about Roman Frescoes.



Photos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXIBSuVl-4T/


☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman



Glossary for this episode

A secco

Painting carried out on dry plaster, using a binder such as glue, egg, or wax to help the pigment adhere. It allows finer detail than true fresco, but is less durable.

Albararii

Roman plasterers who applied and polished the fine white finishing coats on walls and ceilings.

Buon fresco

“True fresco.” Pigment mixed with water is applied to fresh lime plaster while it is still damp and setting, so the colour bonds into the wall surface itself.

Calcite

A mineral form of calcium carbonate.

Fresco

A general term often used loosely for wall painting

Fresco secco

Literally “dry fresco.” Another way of saying painting done on dry plaster rather than into a fresh lime surface.

Hybrid fresco-secco workflow

The combination of a durable fresco base with additional details painted later in secco. This seems to have been common in Roman wall painting.

Insulae

Roman apartment blocks

Lime

The key binding material in Roman plaster and mortar. It was central to both construction and decoration.

Lime wash

A thin coating of lime, often tinted, used to brighten or colour a wall. It could be simple, economical, and very common.

Marble aggregate

Small crushed marble fragments used in fine Roman plasters to improve finish, density, and sheen.

Mezzo fresco

A term used for painting onto plaster that is no longer freshly wet but still damp enough to take pigment.

Mosaic

A floor or wall surface made from small pieces of stone, glass, or ceramic. In Roman interiors, mosaics often worked visually with painted walls.

Pictor imaginarius

A specialist painter, especially one responsible for more refined or figurative wall painting.

Pigment

The colouring material used in paint. Roman pigments could be cheap local earths or imported luxury substances.

Plaster

A coating of lime mixed with sand, marble dust, or other aggregates, applied in layers to walls and ceilings. In Roman interiors it formed the decorative skin of the building.

Pozzolana

Volcanic ash used in Roman mortars and concrete. More associated with structural work than fine painted plaster, but part of the broader Roman lime technology.

Sandiarii

Workers involved in transporting or handling sand and other raw materials used in plaster and mortar preparation.

Sinopia

A red ochre underdrawing or marking-out method. The term is often associated with later painting practice, though marking-out techniques in general were also used by the Romans.

String line

A line snapped or pressed onto a plaster surface to guide straight borders, panels, or architectural designs.

Stucco

In the Roman ContextFine decorative plaster

Trompe l’oeil

A painting technique designed to “fool the eye” by creating the illusion of depth, architecture, or open space on a flat surface.

Vitruvius

Roman architect and author

Whitewash / whitewashing

A simple lime-based coating used to whiten and brighten walls. In Roman interiors this could be a finished surface in its own right or a base for further decoration.


Sources:

  • Vitruvius, De Architectura (Book VII)
  • Pliny the Elder, Natural History (Book XXXV)
  • August Mau, Pompeii: Its Life and Art (1899)
  • Roger Ling, Roman Painting (1991)
  • Donatella Mazzoleni & Umberto Pappalardo, Domus: Wall Painting in the Roman House

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> So what is a Fresco?


There were several types, most of which, most people haven't heard of.


Would you be surprised that many of the Roman frescos that we "Ohh" and "Ahhh" over today, were considered ridiculous and tacky, but some Roman authorities of the time?


Listen to this episode and learn something new about Roman Frescoes.



Photos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXIBSuVl-4T/


☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman



Glossary for this episode

A secco

Painting carried out on dry plaster, using a binder such as glue, egg, or wax to help the pigment adhere. It allows finer detail than true fresco, but is less durable.

Albararii

Roman plasterers who applied and polished the fine white finishing coats on walls and ceilings.

Buon fresco

“True fresco.” Pigment mixed with water is applied to fresh lime plaster while it is still damp and setting, so the colour bonds into the wall surface itself.

Calcite

A mineral form of calcium carbonate.

Fresco

A general term often used loosely for wall painting

Fresco secco

Literally “dry fresco.” Another way of saying painting done on dry plaster rather than into a fresh lime surface.

Hybrid fresco-secco workflow

The combination of a durable fresco base with additional details painted later in secco. This seems to have been common in Roman wall painting.

Insulae

Roman apartment blocks

Lime

The key binding material in Roman plaster and mortar. It was central to both construction and decoration.

Lime wash

A thin coating of lime, often tinted, used to brighten or colour a wall. It could be simple, economical, and very common.

Marble aggregate

Small crushed marble fragments used in fine Roman plasters to improve finish, density, and sheen.

Mezzo fresco

A term used for painting onto plaster that is no longer freshly wet but still damp enough to take pigment.

Mosaic

A floor or wall surface made from small pieces of stone, glass, or ceramic. In Roman interiors, mosaics often worked visually with painted walls.

Pictor imaginarius

A specialist painter, especially one responsible for more refined or figurative wall painting.

Pigment

The colouring material used in paint. Roman pigments could be cheap local earths or imported luxury substances.

Plaster

A coating of lime mixed with sand, marble dust, or other aggregates, applied in layers to walls and ceilings. In Roman interiors it formed the decorative skin of the building.

Pozzolana

Volcanic ash used in Roman mortars and concrete. More associated with structural work than fine painted plaster, but part of the broader Roman lime technology.

Sandiarii

Workers involved in transporting or handling sand and other raw materials used in plaster and mortar preparation.

Sinopia

A red ochre underdrawing or marking-out method. The term is often associated with later painting practice, though marking-out techniques in general were also used by the Romans.

String line

A line snapped or pressed onto a plaster surface to guide straight borders, panels, or architectural designs.

Stucco

In the Roman ContextFine decorative plaster

Trompe l’oeil

A painting technique designed to “fool the eye” by creating the illusion of depth, architecture, or open space on a flat surface.

Vitruvius

Roman architect and author

Whitewash / whitewashing

A simple lime-based coating used to whiten and brighten walls. In Roman interiors this could be a finished surface in its own right or a base for further decoration.


Sources:

  • Vitruvius, De Architectura (Book VII)
  • Pliny the Elder, Natural History (Book XXXV)
  • August Mau, Pompeii: Its Life and Art (1899)
  • Roger Ling, Roman Painting (1991)
  • Donatella Mazzoleni & Umberto Pappalardo, Domus: Wall Painting in the Roman House

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Build Like a Roman - Short Trailer Build Like a Roman - Short Trailer Sat, 04 Apr 2026 07:11:56 GMT 0:29 69d0b98df44b357ce9ec920e false https://shows.acast.com/building-the-roman-way/episodes/build-like-a-roman-short-trailer 69d0b98df44b357ce9ec920e 68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69 build-like-a-roman-short-trailer trailer Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.


Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episode explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving structures.


Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the Roman world.

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!

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.


Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episode explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving structures.


Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the Roman world.

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!

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Build Like a Roman - Trailer Build Like a Roman - Trailer Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:30:23 GMT 1:00 697d47c122b46a261a9a22d8 false https://shows.acast.com/building-the-roman-way/episodes/build-like-a-roman-trailer 697d47c122b46a261a9a22d8 68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69 build-like-a-roman-trailer trailer This is the trailer for the Build Like a Roman podcast.


Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.


Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episode explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving structures.


Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the Roman world.


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!

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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


Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.


Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episode explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving structures.


Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the Roman world.


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!

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Roman Floors: More Than Mosaics Under Your Feet Roman Floors: More Than Mosaics Under Your Feet Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:21:40 GMT 17:41 6985dd09ba7d04f1d408439a false https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman 6985dd09ba7d04f1d408439a 68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69 roman-floors-roman-floors-under-your-feet S01E11 full 1 11 What were Roman floors like?


We know about their mosaics, but what about clay tile? Stone slabs, mortar floors or floorboards?



Photos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWj65iAl9ce/




☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman




Glossary for this episode


  • pavimentum → floor / pavement (the visible finished surface)
  • pavire → to beat down / ram / compact
  • statumen → foundation layer of large stones
  • rudus → compacted rubble layer bound with lime
  • nucleus → fine levelling layer (lime + crushed pottery/aggregate)
  • contignatio (contignationes) → timber floor structure / framed floor system
  • tignum → beam / timber
  • tessera (tesserae) → small cubes used in mosaics
  • opus tessellatum → standard mosaic work (medium tesserae)
  • opus vermiculatum → fine mosaic work (very small tesserae, high detail)
  • emblema (emblemata) → central mosaic panel (often pre-made and inserted)
  • opus sectile → cut-stone flooring (shaped pieces fitted together)
  • opus spicatum → herringbone brick/tile pattern
  • basoli → large stone paving blocks (often basalt, used for streets/heavy use)
  • opus signinum → lime + crushed terracotta with occasional inserts
  • cocciopesto → lime + crushed terracotta (no inserts)
  • opus → “work” / construction method (e.g. stonework, brickwork)



Sources:


Vitruvius, De Architectura

  • Primary source for Roman floor construction (Book VII, pavements; layered systems: statumen, rudus, nucleus).


Pliny the Elder, Natural History

  • References to opus signinum and crushed ceramic flooring materials.


Roger Ling, Roman Painting

  • Includes discussion of decorative interiors and mosaic techniques.


David S. Neal, Roman Mosaics in Britain

  • Key work on mosaic types, techniques, and regional variation.

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What were Roman floors like?


We know about their mosaics, but what about clay tile? Stone slabs, mortar floors or floorboards?



Photos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWj65iAl9ce/




☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman




Glossary for this episode


  • pavimentum → floor / pavement (the visible finished surface)
  • pavire → to beat down / ram / compact
  • statumen → foundation layer of large stones
  • rudus → compacted rubble layer bound with lime
  • nucleus → fine levelling layer (lime + crushed pottery/aggregate)
  • contignatio (contignationes) → timber floor structure / framed floor system
  • tignum → beam / timber
  • tessera (tesserae) → small cubes used in mosaics
  • opus tessellatum → standard mosaic work (medium tesserae)
  • opus vermiculatum → fine mosaic work (very small tesserae, high detail)
  • emblema (emblemata) → central mosaic panel (often pre-made and inserted)
  • opus sectile → cut-stone flooring (shaped pieces fitted together)
  • opus spicatum → herringbone brick/tile pattern
  • basoli → large stone paving blocks (often basalt, used for streets/heavy use)
  • opus signinum → lime + crushed terracotta with occasional inserts
  • cocciopesto → lime + crushed terracotta (no inserts)
  • opus → “work” / construction method (e.g. stonework, brickwork)



Sources:


Vitruvius, De Architectura

  • Primary source for Roman floor construction (Book VII, pavements; layered systems: statumen, rudus, nucleus).


Pliny the Elder, Natural History

  • References to opus signinum and crushed ceramic flooring materials.


Roger Ling, Roman Painting

  • Includes discussion of decorative interiors and mosaic techniques.


David S. Neal, Roman Mosaics in Britain

  • Key work on mosaic types, techniques, and regional variation.

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Roman Glass - Sand, Soda, and Empire Roman Glass - Sand, Soda, and Empire Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:05:30 GMT 15:30 698607d95ad8bc4f7c924273 false https://shows.acast.com/building-the-roman-way/episodes/roman-glass 698607d95ad8bc4f7c924273 68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69 roman-glass full 1 10 What was Roman window glass like?


Well, to start with it had bubbles in it, you couldn't really see through and it was expensive.


Listen to this episode to learn about Roman glass, what was it, where it was made, and by whom.


Photos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWW4wx2lzbW/


☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman




Sources:


Archaeological Studies

  • Ian Freestone (University College London): Freestone is widely considered the world's leading authority on the chemical provenance of Roman glass. 
  • Patrick Degryse, Glass-making in Antiquity: Isotope Analysis (2014): The definitive scientific text on using strontium and neodymium isotopes to track Roman glass back to specific Mediterranean beaches.
  • Allen, D. (2002), Roman Window Glass: A specialized study that looks specifically at the architectural use of glass. 


Ancient Historical Sources

  • Pliny the Elder, Naturalis Historia (Natural History), Book 36: This is the most famous source. Pliny describes the accidental discovery of glass by Phoenician merchants on the River Belus
  • Strabo, Geographica: Writing in the early 1st century AD, strabo notes the unique properties of the sand to be melted into glass, highlighting the Levant's industrial dominance.
  • Diocletian Edict on Maximum Prices (301 AD): A massive document of regulated prices across the empire.
  • Shipwreck Evidence
  • The Embiez Shipwreck (France): A 3rd-century wreck that was carrying nearly two tons of raw glass chunks and blocks from the East.
  • The Grado Shipwreck (Adriatic Sea): Famous for carrying a massive cargo of cullet (broken glass) meant for recycling. 


Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What was Roman window glass like?


Well, to start with it had bubbles in it, you couldn't really see through and it was expensive.


Listen to this episode to learn about Roman glass, what was it, where it was made, and by whom.


Photos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWW4wx2lzbW/


☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman




Sources:


Archaeological Studies

  • Ian Freestone (University College London): Freestone is widely considered the world's leading authority on the chemical provenance of Roman glass. 
  • Patrick Degryse, Glass-making in Antiquity: Isotope Analysis (2014): The definitive scientific text on using strontium and neodymium isotopes to track Roman glass back to specific Mediterranean beaches.
  • Allen, D. (2002), Roman Window Glass: A specialized study that looks specifically at the architectural use of glass. 


Ancient Historical Sources

  • Pliny the Elder, Naturalis Historia (Natural History), Book 36: This is the most famous source. Pliny describes the accidental discovery of glass by Phoenician merchants on the River Belus
  • Strabo, Geographica: Writing in the early 1st century AD, strabo notes the unique properties of the sand to be melted into glass, highlighting the Levant's industrial dominance.
  • Diocletian Edict on Maximum Prices (301 AD): A massive document of regulated prices across the empire.
  • Shipwreck Evidence
  • The Embiez Shipwreck (France): A 3rd-century wreck that was carrying nearly two tons of raw glass chunks and blocks from the East.
  • The Grado Shipwreck (Adriatic Sea): Famous for carrying a massive cargo of cullet (broken glass) meant for recycling. 


Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Lath, Reed, and Wattle - Roman Walls and Ceilings Lath, Reed, and Wattle - Roman Walls and Ceilings Wed, 18 Mar 2026 02:29:01 GMT 20:52 698606a345f62cfe94f54095 false https://shows.acast.com/building-the-roman-way/episodes/roman-walls-and-ceiling 698606a345f62cfe94f54095 68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69 roman-walls-and-ceiling S01E09 full 1 9 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.


☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman


Photos for this episode on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWBM5Ftl46c/



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.



ktwsba7h


Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> 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.


☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman


Photos for this episode on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWBM5Ftl46c/



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.



ktwsba7h


Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Roman Plumbing - More than Aqueducts Roman Plumbing - More than Aqueducts Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:54:59 GMT 23:52 6985dc9d45f62cfe94e3d6c6 false https://shows.acast.com/building-the-roman-way/episodes/plumbing 6985dc9d45f62cfe94e3d6c6 68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69 plumbing S01E08 full 1 8 This week, the Build Like a Roman Podcast is about Roman plumbing, from the infrastructure to the delivery of it and the materials used.


☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman


Photos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVycL_zl1zl/


This Episodes Translations:


Aquaeductus = water pipe or water tube


Cloaca Maxima = Great Sewer


Curator Aquarum = Water commissioner


Libratores = Surveyor


aqua sub pressione = Pressure engineering


castellum aquae divisorium = water distribution terminal


quinaria = A measurement of water


Furtum aquae = Water theft


Vitium =  a fault, defect, or point of illegal tampering in the system


Plumbum = Lead


Aes = Bronze


Tubuli fictiles = Terracotta pipes


Redemptor = a type of combined contractor, and project manager





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.

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week, the Build Like a Roman Podcast is about Roman plumbing, from the infrastructure to the delivery of it and the materials used.


☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman


Photos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVycL_zl1zl/


This Episodes Translations:


Aquaeductus = water pipe or water tube


Cloaca Maxima = Great Sewer


Curator Aquarum = Water commissioner


Libratores = Surveyor


aqua sub pressione = Pressure engineering


castellum aquae divisorium = water distribution terminal


quinaria = A measurement of water


Furtum aquae = Water theft


Vitium =  a fault, defect, or point of illegal tampering in the system


Plumbum = Lead


Aes = Bronze


Tubuli fictiles = Terracotta pipes


Redemptor = a type of combined contractor, and project manager





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.

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Roman Asbestos: Who'd have thought!]]> Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:11:02 GMT 5:22 6985dc7e45f62cfe94e3d092 false https://shows.acast.com/building-the-roman-way/episodes/asbestos 6985dc7e45f62cfe94e3d092 68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69 asbestos full 1 7 Did you know that the Romans - and others, such as the Greeks - used asbestos as a woven fibre?


They valued its fireproof nature and used it accordingly. They may also be the first culture to have recorded using PPE!



☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman


Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.


Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episode

explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and

mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving

structures.


Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before

diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the

Roman world.


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.

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Did you know that the Romans - and others, such as the Greeks - used asbestos as a woven fibre?


They valued its fireproof nature and used it accordingly. They may also be the first culture to have recorded using PPE!



☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman


Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.


Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episode

explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and

mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving

structures.


Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before

diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the

Roman world.


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.

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Roman Metals: Ten Tons of Nails Roman Metals: Ten Tons of Nails Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:41:28 GMT 16:01 6985dc3cd4e01f1069c0659f false https://shows.acast.com/building-the-roman-way/episodes/roman-metals-iron-bronze-and-lead 6985dc3cd4e01f1069c0659f 68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69 roman-metals-iron-bronze-and-lead Iron, Bronze and Lead full 1 6 Why bury a Million nails?


The Romans used a wide variety of metals, both ferrous and non-ferrous.


Iron, lead, bronze, brass, tin and copper were all commonly used by the Romans.


For structural connections, plumbing, door handles, decorative elements or any other practical use, in or for the home, the Romans had a solution!



☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman


This Episodes Instagram image link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DU6MQ-JjVgl/







Roman Metal Terms: Latin → English


  • Ferrum → Iron
  • Plumbum → Lead
  • Stannum → Tin
  • Aes → Copper alloy (bronze or brass)
  • Cuprum → Copper
  • Cadmia → Zinc ore (used to make brass)
  • Argentum → Silver
  • Aurum → Gold
  • Clavus → Nail
  • Fibula → Fastener / clasp (sometimes a clamp)
  • Fistula → Pipe (usually lead)
  • Aes coronarium → Thin decorative bronze sheet
  • Aerugo → Verdigris (green corrosion on copper alloys)


Note:

The Romans did not separate “bronze” and “brass” the way we do today. Both were usually called aes — meaning copper alloy.



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.

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Why bury a Million nails?


The Romans used a wide variety of metals, both ferrous and non-ferrous.


Iron, lead, bronze, brass, tin and copper were all commonly used by the Romans.


For structural connections, plumbing, door handles, decorative elements or any other practical use, in or for the home, the Romans had a solution!



☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman


This Episodes Instagram image link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DU6MQ-JjVgl/







Roman Metal Terms: Latin → English


  • Ferrum → Iron
  • Plumbum → Lead
  • Stannum → Tin
  • Aes → Copper alloy (bronze or brass)
  • Cuprum → Copper
  • Cadmia → Zinc ore (used to make brass)
  • Argentum → Silver
  • Aurum → Gold
  • Clavus → Nail
  • Fibula → Fastener / clasp (sometimes a clamp)
  • Fistula → Pipe (usually lead)
  • Aes coronarium → Thin decorative bronze sheet
  • Aerugo → Verdigris (green corrosion on copper alloys)


Note:

The Romans did not separate “bronze” and “brass” the way we do today. Both were usually called aes — meaning copper alloy.



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.

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Roman Timber: Roofs, Doors and Forgotten Walls Roman Timber: Roofs, Doors and Forgotten Walls Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:13:59 GMT 21:19 697f8cd608827ddf8f478b36 false https://www.instagram.com/p/DUq9pxzjeyO/ 697f8cd608827ddf8f478b36 68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69 timber full 1 5 This episode is looks at the Romans use of timber, be it structural, joinery or temporary. Timber is somewhat of a forgotten material by most people who looking at Roman archaeology, mainly as there's so little of it left. This week we aim to give Roman timber, a little more of the limelight.


☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman



Photos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUq9pxzjeyO/


Term = Definition

Materia: General term for timber (as opposed to lignum, which usually referred to firewood).

•   Abies: Fir. The primary wood for long-span roofing due to its straight grain and high strength-to-weight ratio.

•   Quercus: Oak. Valued for its density and used for "wet-work" or heavy load-bearing sills.

•   Larix: Larch. Highly prized for its natural resistance to fire and rot; often used in maritime or bridge engineering.

•   Contignatio: A timber floor or ceiling assembly. This refers to the entire system of joists and decking.

•   Tignum: A general term for a structural beam or log.

•   Trabs: A large main beam, typically horizontal, used to support secondary joists.

•   Statumen: The secondary layer of a floor; cross-battens or "stiffeners" laid over the main beams.

•   Scandula: A wooden shingle. Used for roofing before the widespread adoption of terracotta tiles (tegulae).

•   Opus Craticium: A timber-frame construction method. It involves a wooden lattice (wattle) filled with mortar or clay (daub).


  Oak (Quercus): The "Iron" of the Roman forest. Used for ground-contact sills and heavy-load lintels. Cato advises cutting oak only when the sap is down (winter) to prevent rot.

  Fir (Abies): The backbone of Roman roofs. Sourced from the Apennines. Vitruvius (De Architectura, Book 2.9) praises Fir for its lightness and stiffness, essential for long-span trusses.

  Larch (Larix): The "Fireproof" wood. Vitruvius notes its resistance to fire and rot, making it the premier choice for bridge pilings and high-moisture 


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.

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This episode is looks at the Romans use of timber, be it structural, joinery or temporary. Timber is somewhat of a forgotten material by most people who looking at Roman archaeology, mainly as there's so little of it left. This week we aim to give Roman timber, a little more of the limelight.


☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman



Photos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUq9pxzjeyO/


Term = Definition

Materia: General term for timber (as opposed to lignum, which usually referred to firewood).

•   Abies: Fir. The primary wood for long-span roofing due to its straight grain and high strength-to-weight ratio.

•   Quercus: Oak. Valued for its density and used for "wet-work" or heavy load-bearing sills.

•   Larix: Larch. Highly prized for its natural resistance to fire and rot; often used in maritime or bridge engineering.

•   Contignatio: A timber floor or ceiling assembly. This refers to the entire system of joists and decking.

•   Tignum: A general term for a structural beam or log.

•   Trabs: A large main beam, typically horizontal, used to support secondary joists.

•   Statumen: The secondary layer of a floor; cross-battens or "stiffeners" laid over the main beams.

•   Scandula: A wooden shingle. Used for roofing before the widespread adoption of terracotta tiles (tegulae).

•   Opus Craticium: A timber-frame construction method. It involves a wooden lattice (wattle) filled with mortar or clay (daub).


  Oak (Quercus): The "Iron" of the Roman forest. Used for ground-contact sills and heavy-load lintels. Cato advises cutting oak only when the sap is down (winter) to prevent rot.

  Fir (Abies): The backbone of Roman roofs. Sourced from the Apennines. Vitruvius (De Architectura, Book 2.9) praises Fir for its lightness and stiffness, essential for long-span trusses.

  Larch (Larix): The "Fireproof" wood. Vitruvius notes its resistance to fire and rot, making it the premier choice for bridge pilings and high-moisture 


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.

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Roman Lime, Mortar, and Concrete Roman Lime, Mortar, and Concrete Sat, 07 Feb 2026 12:29:20 GMT 24:34 697f89034b1113c2c86cdce2 false https://www.instagram.com/p/DUaWnF2DfeT 697f89034b1113c2c86cdce2 68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69 lime-mortar-and-concrete full 1 4 In 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/buildlikearoman


Photos on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUaWnF2DfeT





The 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 vary

Lime - 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





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.

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In 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/buildlikearoman


Photos on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUaWnF2DfeT





The 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 vary

Lime - 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





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.

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Introducing Roman Brick and Tile Introducing Roman Brick and Tile Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:00:51 GMT 22:47 697df5c622b46a261ab8950d false https://www.instagram.com/p/DUS--yyjTTR/ 697df5c622b46a261ab8950d 68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69 brick-and-tile S1E03 full 1 3 This week, the Build Like A Roman Podcast episode is about fired clay, for bricks and roofs.


☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman


Photos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUS--yyjTTR/



The Episodes Translations:


Opus vittatum mixtum (listatum) = Alternating brick and stone courses


Opus mixtum= Combination of stone and brick facings


Opus testaceum = Concrete faced with brick/tiles


Opus vittatum / listatum = Banded tufa/brick


Opus latericium / testaceum = Brick‑faced concrete


Opus mixtum (reticulatum mixtum) = Mixed brick‑reticulate


Pedalis = One‑foot tile/brick


Sesquipedalis = 1½‑foot brick/tile


Bessalis = Two‑thirds brick/tile


Tegula = Flat pan tile


Imbrex = Cover tile


Later / laterculus = Thin wall tile


Lateres Crudi = Unfired bricks


Lateres Cocti = fire bricks


Reading materials:

Roman building: materials and techniques, Adam, JP (1994)

Roman Building Techniques, Rook, T (2013)

Roman Builders, Taylor, R (2003)



Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.


Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episode

explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and

mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving

structures.


Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before

diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the

Roman world.


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.

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week, the Build Like A Roman Podcast episode is about fired clay, for bricks and roofs.


☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman


Photos of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUS--yyjTTR/



The Episodes Translations:


Opus vittatum mixtum (listatum) = Alternating brick and stone courses


Opus mixtum= Combination of stone and brick facings


Opus testaceum = Concrete faced with brick/tiles


Opus vittatum / listatum = Banded tufa/brick


Opus latericium / testaceum = Brick‑faced concrete


Opus mixtum (reticulatum mixtum) = Mixed brick‑reticulate


Pedalis = One‑foot tile/brick


Sesquipedalis = 1½‑foot brick/tile


Bessalis = Two‑thirds brick/tile


Tegula = Flat pan tile


Imbrex = Cover tile


Later / laterculus = Thin wall tile


Lateres Crudi = Unfired bricks


Lateres Cocti = fire bricks


Reading materials:

Roman building: materials and techniques, Adam, JP (1994)

Roman Building Techniques, Rook, T (2013)

Roman Builders, Taylor, R (2003)



Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.


Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episode

explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and

mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving

structures.


Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before

diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the

Roman world.


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.

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Stone: Tuff, Travertine and Marble Stone: Tuff, Travertine and Marble Sun, 01 Feb 2026 14:55:23 GMT 12:45 697f695c56431a2c0f317698 false https://shows.acast.com/building-the-roman-way/episodes/tuff-travertine-and-marble-stone 697f695c56431a2c0f317698 68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69 tuff-travertine-and-marble-stone S01E02 full 1 2 Rome began with houses of mud-brick. Then came stone.


This 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/buildlikearoman



Photos 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 episode

explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and

mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving

structures.


Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before

diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the

Roman world.


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

Hosted by Darren McLean.



Term = Definition


Tuff = A volcanic rock (pyroclastic) formed from consolidated ash and debris. Easy to cut allowing for fast construction.


Tufa = A sedimentary limestone formed by mineral precipitation from freshwater springs, much softer and less durable than volcanic tuff.


Travertine = A hard, dense limestone with high compressive strength, formed in hot springs.


Marble = A metamorphic rock (recrystallized limestone) that takes a high polish.


Basalt = A hard, durable volcanic rock that was nearly indestructible but very difficult to cut.


Limestone = A broad category of sedimentary rock with varying properties.


Sandstone = A sedimentary rock whose strength varies based on its composition. Darker varieties are sometimes called "brownstone."


Vernacular Building = The principle of constructing buildings using materials that are readily available locally, which often determined stone choice and led to regional traditions.


Veneer / Revetment = Thin slabs of decorative stone (usually marble) used as a non-structural cladding over a cheaper core material to display wealth.


Opus Quadratum = A construction technique using large, rectangular ashlar blocks laid in regular courses without mortar.


Opus Africanum = A regional North African building technique which includes long vertical stone piers.


Ashlar = Precisely cut and dressed stone blocks with regular faces and right-angled corners, used in techniques like opus quadratum.


Lapilli = Latin for "little stones".


Cramps = Metal fasteners used to secure stone blocks or veneer panels together.




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.



Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Rome began with houses of mud-brick. Then came stone.


This 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/buildlikearoman



Photos 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 episode

explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and

mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving

structures.


Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before

diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the

Roman world.


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

Hosted by Darren McLean.



Term = Definition


Tuff = A volcanic rock (pyroclastic) formed from consolidated ash and debris. Easy to cut allowing for fast construction.


Tufa = A sedimentary limestone formed by mineral precipitation from freshwater springs, much softer and less durable than volcanic tuff.


Travertine = A hard, dense limestone with high compressive strength, formed in hot springs.


Marble = A metamorphic rock (recrystallized limestone) that takes a high polish.


Basalt = A hard, durable volcanic rock that was nearly indestructible but very difficult to cut.


Limestone = A broad category of sedimentary rock with varying properties.


Sandstone = A sedimentary rock whose strength varies based on its composition. Darker varieties are sometimes called "brownstone."


Vernacular Building = The principle of constructing buildings using materials that are readily available locally, which often determined stone choice and led to regional traditions.


Veneer / Revetment = Thin slabs of decorative stone (usually marble) used as a non-structural cladding over a cheaper core material to display wealth.


Opus Quadratum = A construction technique using large, rectangular ashlar blocks laid in regular courses without mortar.


Opus Africanum = A regional North African building technique which includes long vertical stone piers.


Ashlar = Precisely cut and dressed stone blocks with regular faces and right-angled corners, used in techniques like opus quadratum.


Lapilli = Latin for "little stones".


Cramps = Metal fasteners used to secure stone blocks or veneer panels together.




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.



Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Build Like a Roman: The Series Introduction Build Like a Roman: The Series Introduction Sat, 31 Jan 2026 21:23:13 GMT 6:29 697df4434b1113c2c82d232b false https://www.instagram.com/p/DUMJ_-pjUft/ 697df4434b1113c2c82d232b 68ad5c37b1a334874a744a69 the-introduction-episode S01E01 full 1 1 A Description of the series


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 episode

explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and

mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving

structures.


Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before

diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the

Roman world.


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!


☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman


Hosted by Darren McLean.

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> A Description of the series


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 episode

explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and

mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving

structures.


Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before

diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the

Roman world.


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!


☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearoman


Hosted by Darren McLean.

Buy me a Coffee


Bluesky


Instagram


Follow:

Acast


Apple


Patreon


Spotify


Music Happy harp 6109353

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>