The Vault of the So-Called SerapeumAn Ellipsoidal Geometry at Hadrian’s Villa

  1. Elena Eramo 1
  2. Giuseppina Enrica Cinque 1
  1. 1 University of Rome Tor Vergata
    info

    University of Rome Tor Vergata

    Roma, Italia

    ROR https://ror.org/02p77k626

Libro:
Graphic horizons

Editorial: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

ISBN: 978-3-031-57579-2

Ano de publicación: 2024

Título do volume: Graphics for Knowledge

Volume: 3

Páxinas: 51-58

Congreso: Congreso Internacional de Expresión Gráfica Arquitectónica (20. 2024. Porto)

Tipo: Achega congreso

Resumo

The so-called Serapeum of Villa Adriana, Tivoli, is one of the most relevant monuments of antiquity. It is the subject of several previous studies, beginning from the Renaissance. Nevertheless, a compelling description of the unique geometry of its main vault still needs to be provided. This paper reports the first novelty discovered within a study set out to develop a deeper understanding of such geometry: the use of an ellipsoid-based shape. The result is of overriding interest both within the understanding of the monument and in the general context of ancient design. The finding could shed new light on understanding the Roman Imperial age’s theoretical mastery of double-curved surfaces through its consistent applications to architectural solutions.