An Abridgment of the Architecture of Vitruvius Containing a System of the Whole Works of that Author

"An Abridgment of the Architecture of Vitruvius" by Vitruvius Pollio is a scientific publication likely written in the early Roman period. This work serves as a condensed guide to the architecture principles established by the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius, detailing foundational knowledge surrounding building design, materials, and techniques. It highlights the importance of solidity, convenience, and beauty in architectural endeavors, referencing historical practices, materials, and examples from antiquity. The opening of the book introduces the remarkable contributions of Vitruvius, underscoring his expertise and the historical context of his works. It emphasizes the necessity for architects to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application and to understand various associated arts and sciences. Furthermore, it delineates key architectural elements, including solidity, convenience, and aesthetic beauty, along with a structured overview of the entire work, laying the groundwork for the subsequent detailed discussions on the principles of architecture and their applications. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Vitruvius was a Roman architect and engineer during the 1st century BC, known for his multi-volume work titled De architectura. As the only treatise on architecture to survive from antiquity, it has been regarded since the Renaissance as the first book on architectural theory, as well as a major source on the canon of classical architecture. It is not clear to what extent his contemporaries regarded his book as original or important.