Read an Academic Passage

The Architecture of Ancient Rome

The architecture of Ancient Rome was one of its most significant and lasting achievements. While heavily influenced by the Greeks, the Romans were great innovators who developed new materials and construction techniques that allowed them to build on a much grander scale. The key to their success was the development of concrete. Roman concrete was exceptionally strong and durable, enabling the construction of massive structures like aqueducts, amphitheaters, and large public buildings that would have been impossible with stone alone.

Two of the most important architectural forms perfected by the Romans were the arch and the vault. The arch allowed them to build strong bridges and aqueducts capable of spanning wide valleys, while the vault, essentially an extended arch, was used to create vast interior spaces. The most impressive use of this technology was in the creation of the dome, a hemispherical vault. The Pantheon in Rome, with its immense unsupported concrete dome featuring a central opening, or oculus, remains a testament to the ingenuity of Roman engineers.

The legacy of Roman architecture is evident throughout Western civilization. Their focus on creating large, functional public spaces—such as basilicas (law courts), public baths, and forums—shaped the concept of civic planning. Roman engineering principles, particularly the use of the arch and dome, were adopted and adapted in later architectural styles, from the Romanesque and Renaissance periods to modern times. Structures like the Colosseum and the aqueducts not only served practical purposes but also stood as powerful symbols of Roman power and technological prowess.