The Style and Significance of Roman Architecture
INTRODUCTION
While the Greeks provided some of the most elaborate architecture the world has seen, the Romans made some outstanding structural advancements of their own. The purpose of this paper is to discuss two significant elements of Roman architecture: the use of concrete and the arch. Both contributed to the character of Roman style, and their uses heavily influenced the future of architecture and infrastructure worldwide.
DISCUSSION
The Greeks created three orders of classical architecture: Doris, Ionic, and Corinthian. These orders signify the style of columns used. The Doric order was a simple, square, and strong design, while the Ionic order was slimmer and more decorative style that utilized scroll patterns. Corinthian order consisted of more elaborate and floral
…show more content…
In modern day, concrete is still used for buildings, roads, statues, and many other things as it remains one of the most reliable and sturdy building materials. Arches are still used in a number of ways as well. They can still be seen in the design of bridges and aqueducts, in places of worship, marriage alters, modern art formations, stadiums, and monuments (such as the St. Louis arch). Though technology and evolution of design has changed much in today's societies, the essence of ancient Rome is still very present in our modern world.
REFERENCES
Cartwright, M. (2013, January 6). Greek Architecture. Retrieved October 25, 2017, from https://www.ancient.eu/Greek_Architecture/
Kamm, A. (n.d.). The Romans. Retrieved October 25, 2017, from http://www.the-romans.co.uk/domestic_architecture.htm
Wilson, A. (n.d.). Greek Architecture. Retrieved October 25, 2017, from
Hemingway, Colette. "Architecture in Ancient Greece." Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2014.
“Many European cities still bear reminders of the power of ancient Rome, and throughout the western world the influence of Roman power is still manifest.” “As the Roman Empire expanded Roman architects struggled to achieve two overriding aims: to demonstrate the grandeur and power of Rome, while also improving the life of their fellow citizens.” They held the Greeks in high regard for both their sculpture and architecture, learned stonework and pyramid architecture from the Egyptians, and absorbed important techniques from the Etruscans. To that end, the Romans perfected three architectural elements: concrete, the arch, and the vault. These three elements helped lighten the load carried by Roman structures while maintaining overall durability.
From the Egyptians to Romans, architecture achievements of the ancient world have left a huge impression on todays modern world. They all have left a tremendous impression on modern civilizations. There are numerous architectural monuments to write about. In this essay I will be discussing about the Pantheon and Colosseum, the famous architectural buildings of the Roman Civilization. I will discuss the history, significance, and analyze the qualities of the architecture.
Ionic order is derived from the 6th century in Ionia. The Temple of Athena Nike is regarded to be the representative of the art style, and the Masonic Temple has an Ionic hall, which followed and expressed the artistic features in the modern timeline. It is clear that the Ionic style is one of three major architectural orders in the ancient Greek and Roman timeline, together with Doric and Corinthian orders. Based on the “Britannica,” the Ionic order is defined as “Order characterized by soaring columns with molded bases, capitals with volutes and a continuously sculpted frieze.” Additionally, Ionians who created the style are mostly Greek.
A prime example that conveys the idea of buildings being used to express a sense of national identity lies within the Roman Empire and its consequent architecture. In order for the Romans to maintain control of their vast Empire, they required the building of both formal architecture, like temples and basilicas, as well as effective infrastructure, such as bridges, roads and aqueducts. The construction of roads and bridges allowed for communication between all the different provinces. Aqueducts allowed the Romans to supply the cities with water, whilst fortifications and city walls helped to protect them. Roman cities consisted of a network of administrative centers and the buildings within them acted as visual symbols of power throughout the Empire.
If the ancient Roman innovation of concrete, were to not have been significant, it would not have continued to be used across the globe. In fact, ancient Roman hydraulic cement-based concrete was so notable that modern day scientists are trying to, “replicate the exact formula for which ancient Roman concrete was made.” This is due to ancient Roman concrete being so sturdy and strong that aspects of it have lasted over 2000 years without deterioration. Without the innovation of Roman concrete, many of the modern world’s infrastructure would not be stable, causing havoc across the globe. Also, advancements in construction, health, and even safety areas would not be possible, as almost every piece of infrastructure, from sewerage and water pipes, to building and security walls, would not be able to remain as safe to use. This is because the modern world relies so heavily on concrete, with around five billion tonnes of concrete being used around the world each year,becoming the single most widely used material in the construction industry. In fact, around 76% of all first-world infrastructure is reinforced with concrete. Without this substance, much of the modern-world's infrastructure would not be as tall or sturdy as what it currently is, as it would simply deteriorate or break. Hydraulic cement-based concrete is certainly the most significant Roman
Roman houses evolved from the thatched-roof huts of the original roman civilization to the great villas of the late empire. Roman houses were not only built in Italy. There were Roman houses built in Greece, Africa, and Britain.
In the middle of Rome there were large marble buildings , new theaters and baths stood next to them.The Romans built bridges out of stone and some of those bridges are still standing today , but most of the bridges got knocked down do to all the wars between the bridges and they had gotten hit several times and most of them got knocked down and they had never gotten built again.
The Romans constructed the first ostentatious stadia. These colossal structures were architecturally unique due to the Romans’ inimitable engineering technique. The Romans used a skill different than that of the Greeks; instead of carving large masses of stone, the Romans had successfully implemented pouring concrete for their designs. One of the most world-renowned structures and most visited attractions in Italy is the Colosseum, attracting an astounding four and a half million tourists a year. Standing at a height of approximately 45 meters, with respected dimensions of 189 meters by 156 meters, the name is only fitting for this enormous structure (Claridge 1998). Vespasian; the Roman emperor ruling at the time, had commenced its construction in approximately 69 AD near the lake of Nero’s Domus Aurea which took approximately ten years to complete (Claridge 1998). This was a remarkably rapid construction, considering the limited technology that the Romans had access to. The name of the architect remains unknown; however, by vigilant analysis of other structural projects f...
The engineering discoveries of ancient Rome have played a key role in the history of architecture and engineering. Many of Rome’s roadways, bridges, and aqueducts have been in use from the first century until the twentieth century. Many American buildings have used the Roman dome. Several major structures from early Rome still stand, including the Collosseum. These remnants of feats of Roman engineering stand as a monument to the ability of ancient Roman builders.
The Romans also excelled in the highly practical art, architecture. The Romans were the first people in antiquity to use concrete on a massive scale. By using concrete in their new architectural designs, the Romans were able to construct huge buildings, bigger than the Greeks ever could have dreamed of.
...on. It is important to understand the history and mechanics of Greek architecture in order to fully appreciate it. The ancient Greeks were very well known for their beautiful temples. They were able to devise several different ways to create beautiful buildings and implement those designs. The ancient Greeks set the architectural foundations for the rest of the world with their three orders. The three styles, or orders, are the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The three distinctive styles are referred to as orders because they display proportionate, ordered, and coordinated parts. The Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders serve a functional purpose, as well as lend so much beauty to structures. “All the world’s culture culminated in Greece, and Greece in Athens, all Athens in its Acropolis, all the Acropolis in the Parthenon” (Nardo, 61).
The ancient Greeks developed a system of orders which were known as columns. There were three different types of columns and each had they own special twist, both structurally and appearance wise. The three orders consisted of the Doric order, Ionic order and the Corinthian order. One shocking fact was that the Romans used the Corinthian columns more than the Greeks did and they were the one that came up with them. Each order could be found in many different parts of ancient Greece. The columns were put into use by creating ancient temples. Since Greek life was mainly focused around religion, their temples were very big and beautiful (“Ancient Greece” 1).
This class has examined the various accomplishments of ancient Rome, many that have been carried on throughout time and influenced numerous cultures around the world. Amongst those accomplishments were the development of concrete and the utilization of arches. This paper will examine the Roman development of both concrete and the infamous concrete arch that is utilized in many modern day structures today.
From the time of the ancient Greeks all the way to modern day, some part of humanity has almost always been interested in the past. For the ancient Greeks, it was discovering Mycenaean ruins and composing stories about them. Today, inspiration is still drawn from classical architecture. One has to look no further than the U.S. capitol building, or even the University of Michigan's Angell Hall to see remnants of this architectural style. This raises the question of why does it still persists? Logically, the best way to answer this is to examine the origins of classical architecture, and what it represented then and now. Furthermore, the study of ancient architecture can show insights into past civilizations which otherwise would have been lost.