In de mid- 20s BC, a Roman architect named Marcus Vitrivius Pollio wrote down everything he knew about architecture on ten scrolls (the books of these days). He presented the work to emperor August, who had come to power a few years before. August had started an enormous building program and Rome was one hune building excavation. Temples, theatres, aquaducts, roads, a new forum, a sewage system, roads and many more building activities took place.
Vitruvius sought to revive the architectural rules, ideas and concepts of the ancients (that means the Greeks for Romans). He perceived the practice and knowledge of his contemporary architects as a lack of professionalism. education and knowledge. Perhaps he wanted to win the favour of the emperor, perhaps he only wanted to improve the quality of buildings and construction works.
Fact is that he synthesized the Greek treaties and added his own experience. He thus created the most comprehensive guide and text and until today it remains the most complete authentic source for cataloging the classical architectural system.
His De Architectura influenced architects since his writings were (re) discovered and published in the 15th century. The Italian architect Palladio standardized his ideas about architecture.
The topicalitty of his work apllies to present-day Italy. Earthquakes destroy new houses and buildings, monuments older than 2 000 years survive. (source: T. Gordon Smith, Vitruvius. On Architecture, New York 2003).