Ancient Roman Architecture

ANCIENT ROMAN

ARCHITECTURE

By Abby, Haajer & Lewis

TIME period OF this architecture

The Roman Empire dates back to around 750BC and for a long period of history were the most powerful in the world. Rome was responsible for some of the most influential innovations in architecture that are still used to this day.

Art Noveau

Ancient Egypt

ANCIENT ROMAN

Byzantine

Renaissance

Gothic

Baroque

Greek

Pre-historic

Classical

Modernist

key features of ROMAN ARCHITECTURE

Romanesque architecture can be identified by the grandness and towering arches and pillars. The main material used is stone which is long-lasting which is why many buildings have stood the test of time.

Tall marble pillars

Round arches in windows, doors and vaults.

Thick stone walls for strength and stability

FAMOUS EXAMPLES

One of the most famous pieces of Roman architecture is the Colosseum in Italy. It was built to house gladiator fights, where people would fight each other, or animals to the death. It was built for the emperor would regularly attend and sit in an expensive purple throne in a viewing gallery.

The Colosseum in Rome, built in 70BC

architects renowned for this style

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio is renowned for creating many piece of Roman architecture. He wanted to form buildings dedicated to maths, philosophy and drama which is why he built one of the first theatres. Emperor Hadrian built many structures that influenced and changed Ancient Roman architecture. One of these being the Pantheon, which is still standing.

theatre

Pantheon

INSPIRATION & CONTINUATION

Roman architecture borrowed ideas from the Greek, however they were innovative and created numerous new concepts. The Romans had more access to newer materials, as they had a vast and expanding empire, which spread to countries with a variety of resources, like concrete. Both styles have influenced architecture across the globe and many are now tourist attractions.

Ancient Roman

Ancient Greek

AROUND THE WORLD

Some examples of famous buildings that have been inspired by Ancient Rome are The Arc de Triomphe, the White House, and The Robert Street Bridge.

OUR OPINION ON ANCIENT ROMAN ARCHITECTURE

The Romans have changed the course of history not only through their architecture. Our opinion is the that they are captivating buildings that have positively impacted other styles. Grand, majestic and impressive are the words used to describe their design. We are fortunate many haven't eroded away to complete ruin so we can continue to appreciate them for years to come.

INFLUENCE IN GLASGOW

Back in 400AD, the Roman's built the Antoine Wall in Glasgow to protect their troops from the Scottish. During construction, the soldiers lived in leather tents or wooden huts inside temporary camps.

Antoine Wall

St Mirin's Cathedral in Paisley was inspired by many different styles of architecture. It includes Baroque, Byzantine but mainly Romanesque. It was constructed in the 1930's with sandstone and is currently used.

St Aloysius Churchli

ROMAN INVENTIONS

• Toilet Stick- Instead of toilet paper they would use a sponge on a stick which would be used over and over by countless different people.

The Romans invented many objects and buildings that we couldn't do without.

Personally, we're quite glad this one didn't catch on.

• Roads, which are a crucial part of modern society and were used for transport of goods.

• Bathhouse- the Romans are famous for creating the public bathhouse. This is where people would go to wash and swim together naked.

• Towns- they decided to make a plan of many uniform houses and this became an early town

• Sewage- They made sewage lines, latrines, and a plumbing system. However all of this was dumped in a nearby river that became contaminated.

• Surgery- Romans experimented with an early form of antiseptic in the process of surgery like the cesarean section.

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