The Etruscan civilization: The origin of the geometric regulation in ancient Roman Gardens

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 PhD Candidate in Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Problem statement: The Roman garden style is one of the most important products of the ancient Roman empire. Although many of the Roman cultural aspects follows the Greece civilization, the Roman garden layout does not follow the structural characteristics of Greece gardening and it seems to be a follower of the other ideas. This approach is contrary to the Greek garden layout, which lacks regular geometric organization, follows an axial and straight line in the plan. While scholars have several assumptions and hypotheses on justifying the emergence of this geometrical order in Roman gardening, there remain many ambiguities. It must be noted that before the formation of the Roman Empire, the Etruscan civilization: were resided in the region of Tuscany in Italy and affected many cultural achievements of the Roman civilization. Also, the sacred importance of the geometric regulation in the beliefs of these peoples which is reflected in their remained cities, temples and the other buildings can be considered as the roots of the geometrical order in the Roman gardening.
Aim: Analyzing and criticizing the existing opinion and assumptions and submitting new evidence, the current study aims to provide a new perspective on the roots of geometrical order in Roman gardening.
Research method: The study also applies a content analysis method for the interpretation and criticism of some of the available documents. The study also attempts to achieve a new interpretation of the subject applying interpretive-historical research method.
Conclusion: Accordingly the current study by questioning and doubting the available literature assumes the Etruscan civilization as the roots of geometric regulation in the ancient gardening.

Keywords


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