
Ten Books on Architecture, De architectura
'Ten Books on Architecture, De architectura' Summary
Probably written between 30 and 15 BC, it combines the knowledge and views of many antique writers, Greek and Roman, on architecture, the arts, natural history and building technology. Vitruvius cites many authorities throughout the text, often praising Greek architects for their development of temple building and the orders (Doric, Ionic and Corinthian), and providing key accounts of the origins of building in the primitive hut.
Though often cited for his famous "triad" of characteristics associated with architecture – utilitas, firmitas and venustas (utility, strength and beauty) – the aesthetic principles that influenced later treatise writers were outlined in Book III. Derived partially from Latin rhetoric (through Cicero and Varro), Vitruvian terms for order, arrangement, proportion, and fitness for intended purposes have guided architects for centuries, and continue to do so.
The Roman author gives advice on the qualifications of an architect (Book I) and on types of architectural drawing.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
RomanPublished In
30 BCE - 15 BCEAuthors

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio commonly known as Vitruvius, was a Roman author, architect, and civil and military engineer during the 1st century BC, known for his multi-volume work entitled De architectura....
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