On Architecture, Volume II

Vitruvius (Marcus V. Pollio), a Roman architect and engineer, studied Greek philosophy and science, gaining experience throughout his professional career. He was appointed as one of the overseers of imperial artillery or military engines and served as the architect for at least one set of buildings for Augustus during the reconstruction of Rome. Late in his life, and in ill health, he completed De Architectura sometime before 27 BCE. This work became influential after its rediscovery in the fifteenth century and has been studied by architects from the early Renaissance to modern times.

In On Architecture, Vitruvius contributes to the tradition of Greek theory and practice by incorporating his own experiences. The treatise consists of ten books with the following contents:

Book 1: Requirements for an architect; town planning; design, cities, aspects; temples.

Book 2: Materials and their treatment. Greek systems.

Book 3: Styles. Forms of Greek temples. Ionic.

Book 4: Styles. Corinthian, Ionic, Doric; Tuscan; altars.

Book 5: Other public buildings (fora, basilicae, theatres, colonnades, baths, harbours).

Book 6: Sites and planning, especially of houses.

Book 7: Construction of pavements, roads, mosaic floors, vaults. Decoration (stucco, wall painting, colours).

Book 8: Hydraulic engineering; water supply; aqueducts.

Book 9: Astronomy. Greek and Roman discoveries; signs of the zodiac, planets, moon phases, constellations, astrology, gnomon, sundials.

Book 10: Machines for war and other purposes.