Roman Woodworkers

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Roman Woodworkers

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In this episode of Build Like a Roman, we look at the Roman carpenter and the wider world of ancient woodworkers. From the faber tignarius, or structural carpenter, to joiners, furniture makers, shipwrights, and military craftsmen, we explore how timber shaped Roman buildings even when the wood itself has long disappeared. This episode covers tools, training, collegia, timber supply, joinery, centring, roofs, and the technical knowledge behind Roman carpentry. ☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/buildlikearomanGlossary – Episode 17: Roman WoodworkersAdze / AsciaA shaping tool with the blade set at right angles to the handle. Roman carpenters used it to square logs, trim beams, and work timber across the grain.CarpentariusOriginally linked to carpentum, a two-wheeled wagon. It gives us the English word “carpenter,” but was closer to wagon-maker than structural carpenter.CarpentumA Roman two-wheeled carriage or wagon.CentringTemporary timber framework used to support arches, vaults, or domes while masonry or concrete was being built and setting.Clavi LigneiWooden pegs or “wooden nails” used to fasten heavy timber joints.CollegiaRoman associations with professional, social, religious, and funerary roles. They were not exactly the same as medieval guilds.Collegia FabrorumAssociations of skilled builders and makers, including carpenters and other technical artisans.DowelA wooden peg used to connect or reinforce pieces of timber.Equisetum / HorsetailA silica-rich plant used as a natural abrasive for smoothing and polishing wood.FaberA skilled maker or technical artisan. The term could apply to several trades, not only carpentry.Faber TignariusA structural carpenter: literally a “maker of beams,” from tignum, meaning structural timber.Faber IntestinariusAn interior joiner responsible for doors, windows, panelling, stairs, ceilings, and fitted woodwork.Faber LectariusA furniture maker, especially associated with couches, beds, and fine domestic woodwork.Faber NavalisA shipwright or ship-builder. Publius Longidienus of Ravenna is an example mentioned in the episode.FabriPlural of faber: skilled makers, craftsmen, or technical workers.Frame Saw / Sega a TelaioA saw with a thin blade tensioned inside a wooden frame, allowing straighter and more controlled cuts.FreedmanA formerly enslaved person who had been manumitted. Many Roman artisans were freedmen.Funerary SteleA stone grave marker. Some Roman artisans used these monuments to display their tools and professional identity.KerfThe cut made by a saw blade. Setting the saw teeth wider than the blade helped prevent jamming.LibellaAn A-frame level with a plumb line, used to check whether a surface was level.Mortise-and-Tenon JointA strong joint where a projecting tenon fits into a matching mortise hole.NormaThe carpenter’s square, used for marking and checking right angles.OfficinaA workshop.Plane / RuncinaA tool used to smooth and level timber surfaces. Roman planes could have iron soles and wedge-held blades.Plumb BobA hanging weight used to establish a vertical line.Putlog HolesHoles left in walls where scaffold beams were inserted during construction.SecurisAn axe, distinct from an adze. The axe cuts more directly with or into the grain.Spring-Pole LatheA lathe powered by a flexible pole and cord, used for turning wooden objects.TignumStructural timber or beam. It is the root of faber tignarius.TornatorA woodturner who shaped timber on a lathe.Tree-Nail / TrenailA large wooden peg used in heavy carpentry and shipbuilding.VeneerA thin sheet of valuable wood glued onto a cheaper or more stable timber base.VigilesRome’s official fire and night-watch service, organised under Augustus.Wattle and DaubA walling system of woven rods covered with earth, clay, or lime-based material.Wood TurnerA specialist who shaped wood on a lathe; in Latin, a tornator.Vitruvius. De Architectura Adam, J-P. (1994). Roman Building: Materials and Techniques.Buy me a CoffeeBlueskyInstagramFollow:AcastApplePatreonSpotifyMusic Happy harp 6109353 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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