What is a tegula?
A tegula (plural tegulae) is a flat, rectangular roof tile of fired clay with raised flanges along its long sides, used in Roman construction. Tegulae were laid side by side on the roof. The joints between the raised flanges were covered with semicircular cover tiles, the imbrices. Together, tegula and imbrex form the classic Roman tiled roof.
How it works
- The tegula catches rainwater and carries it down the roof.
- The raised flanges stop water from running off sideways.
- The imbrex sits over two adjoining flanges and covers the joint.
- Tegulae are often slightly tapered or have cut-outs at the corners so they can overlap one another down the slope.
Use and significance
- The tegula-and-imbrex system was used throughout the Roman Empire, including in north-western Europe for villas, military camps and bathhouses.
- Fragments of tegulae are common archaeological finds. Some bear a stamp of the legion or tile works that made them, which helps with dating.
- The system is a forerunner of the later monk and nun roof and of hollow and convex tiles.
- New tegulae are still made today for reconstructions of Roman buildings.
Related terms
- Imbrex
- Monk and nun tiles
- Roof tiles
- Concave and convex roof tiles
- Terracotta
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