Using highly sophisticated building techniques, the Romans built an empire that would have a legacy and achievements that still stand today. But Rome wasn't thought up in a day, and neither were the ideas that would help build, if not lay the foundations for, its legacy. Although influenced by different cultures, the Romans were greatly influenced by the Greeks. Building patterns and techniques used by the Romans in the construction of the Colosseum, for example, can be traced back to those of Greek theaters.
The Pantheon
The different episodes of rulers as well as cultural diffusion contributed to the artistic and architectural techniques developed in the Roman Empire. The Romans took the early form of the arch, and developed it to its height of perfection. The brick arches acted as buttresses redistributing the weight from the domes to the walls. Constructed of brick, stone, and concrete, the temple-like Pantheon took four years to complete. It’s 142 ft. dome span had no rival to contain with, even in the 19th century. Heavier materials were set at the base where ability to withstand pressure was required. “The lighter materials were used in the upper section to reduce weight in the central area.” Artistically, the circular checker pattern, combined with the coffered ceiling, brings the structure of the room together. (Stevenson. pg. 14-15)
Roads
Although not thought of as traditional architecture, roads are in fact, one of Rome’s greatest functional architectural feats. These paths were so well crafted, that some are even still usable today. However, the Romans are by no means, the ones who engineered the original roads. The Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, and Etruscans also had networks of roads which influenced Roman construction workers. The Romans took the idea, and molded it into something more sophisticated. Although the foundation and the "pavement" of Roman highways varied slightly, they all had the same two features: drainage ditches on either side, and the middle of the road being curved and elevated for more effective draining. (Nardo pg. 19, 21-22) Roads were very useful for maintaining and governing the Roman world. Administrators, later called censors and aediles, were appointed to perform tasks required to oversee the outer reaches of the world of Rome. “Among their tasks were taking a census of citizens and property, leasing public land, (…) resurfacing, cleaning, and otherwise maintaining public (…) works.” They also surveyed public events and marketplaces. (Nardo pg. 12-15)
The Colosseum
The Colosseum was the most ambitious construction project of it's time. “The Roman Emperor Vespasian commissioned this vast amphitheater as a grand civic gesture to satisfy the escalating public appetite for spectacular shows of violent entertainment.” (Stevenson pg. 12-13) The Colosseum was Rome’s “Greek theater", the place where the masses met for the purpose of viewing a more exciting and grisly form of entertainment, than that preferred by the Greeks. The elevated seats within the circular structure allowed all to see the action and the rounded walls trapped the noise of the games inside, amplifying it.
Influence
Using highly sophisticated building techniques, the Romans built an empire that would have a legacy and achievements that still stand today. But Rome wasn't thought up in a day, and neither were the ideas that would help build, if not lay the foundations for, its legacy. Although influenced by different cultures, the Romans were greatly influenced by the Greeks. Building patterns and techniques used by the Romans in the construction of the Colosseum, for example, can be traced back to those of Greek theaters.
The Pantheon
The different episodes of rulers as well as cultural diffusion contributed to the artistic and architectural techniques developed in the Roman Empire. The Romans took the early form of the arch, and developed it to its height of perfection. The brick arches acted as buttresses redistributing the weight from the domes to the walls. Constructed of brick, stone, and concrete, the temple-like Pantheon took four years to complete. It’s 142 ft. dome span had no rival to contain with, even in the 19th century. Heavier materials were set at the base where ability to withstand pressure was required. “The lighter materials were used in the upper section to reduce weight in the central area.” Artistically, the circular checker pattern, combined with the coffered ceiling, brings the structure of the room together. (Stevenson. pg. 14-15)
Roads
Although not thought of as traditional architecture, roads are in fact, one of Rome’s greatest functional architectural feats. These paths were so well crafted, that some are even still usable today. However, the Romans are by no means, the ones who engineered the original roads. The Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, and Etruscans also had networks of roads which influenced Roman construction workers. The Romans took the idea, and molded it into something more sophisticated. Although the foundation and the "pavement" of Roman highways varied slightly, they all had the same two features: drainage ditches on either side, and the middle of the road being curved and elevated for more effective draining. (Nardo pg. 19, 21-22) Roads were very useful for maintaining and governing the Roman world. Administrators, later called censors and aediles, were appointed to perform tasks required to oversee the outer reaches of the world of Rome. “Among their tasks were taking a census of citizens and property, leasing public land, (…) resurfacing, cleaning, and otherwise maintaining public (…) works.” They also surveyed public events and marketplaces. (Nardo pg. 12-15)
The Colosseum
The Colosseum was the most ambitious construction project of it's time. “The Roman Emperor Vespasian commissioned this vast amphitheater as a grand civic gesture to satisfy the escalating public appetite for spectacular shows of violent entertainment.” (Stevenson pg. 12-13) The Colosseum was Rome’s “Greek theater", the place where the masses met for the purpose of viewing a more exciting and grisly form of entertainment, than that preferred by the Greeks. The elevated seats within the circular structure allowed all to see the action and the rounded walls trapped the noise of the games inside, amplifying it.
Sources:
Annotated Guides: Architecture. Neil Stevenson
Roman Roads and Aqueducts. Don Nardo
http://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/life.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/romanisation_article_05.shtml. Dr. Neil Faulkner, pg. 5
Images:
http://www.travelcreek.com/pantheon.jpg
http://www.worldofstock.com/slides/TEI1183.jpg
http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/England-History/RomanRoads.htm