Comparing Insula with Buildings in Nepal

[Paul Elliott]

I returned from Italy yesterday, and was lucky enough to get pictures of brick built insulae (apartment blocks). It was striking to me how much they resembled the towns of Bhaktapur and Dulikhel that I visited in Nepal last Easter. Particularly the cramped streets, Pompeii-like pavements, small brick design, shops fronts on the lower level, flats above, and the wooden screens, balconies and shutters.

I took several photos of like there, I've included a few here. I suppose it will be easy to tell which is Rome/Ostia/Herculaneum and which is Nepal!!

[Paul Elliott]

I have a few others, I think they might conjure up urban life amongst the insula quite well!

[Vindex]

Good observation! Not a great deal of difference is there?

[Paul Elliott]

This is a reconstructed model of an insula from Osti, it's certainly reminiscent of the buildings in the 'umbrella' photo.




I suppose the biggest difference is the insula in Rome (top left top of the photomosaic) has curved concrete ceilings (barrel vaulting?)on the top floor. But I imagine street scenes very similar. I'll have a look for some more...

[Robert Vermaat]

Good observation! Not a great deal of difference is there?

We often forget that the Roman Empire, plus it's cities, was little better (if not worse) than a regular Third World country. Comparisons have been made between the Roman Empire and Mozambique (in favour of the latter).

About those buildings, they indeed look very similar in design. The streets could be a little narrower though - what was that quote by some poet that if he wanted, he could shake the hand of the man livving opposite in across the street?

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Indeed Paul, it has reminded me of the far east on several levels, when visiting Ostia, and also Athens and other ancient places.