Architecture And Engineering In Ancient Roman Architecture

In ancient Rome, architecture and engineering were highly regarded. It contributed much to Rome’s development, power, as well as the longevity of such an immense and substantial empire. Architecture displayed an immense amount of workmanship as well as innovation. This is seen through Rome engineers as they created the concept of concrete, constructed the famous Roman aqueducts, and the luxurious Roman baths. Roman’s were clearly superior engineers compared to their competitors because Roman engineers developed new and innovative concepts that were never introduced before, therefore contributing to the success of the Roman Empire.

Rome was the leader in many things whether it be political, economic, or social. Architecture was also one of these leaders as seen in ancient Rome. Roman architecture did use concepts that were thought of by earlier architects, however they were able to innovate ideas in the past, and therefore quickly and effectively applied it into the new construction that would become the Empire of Rome.1 The new construction techniques involved the introduction of new materials such as concrete.2 The city of ancient Rome was located over top of a large volcanic deposit and this volcanic rock served as one of the main materials used in the creation of concrete.3 Some of the earliest examples of the use of concrete by the Roman’s can be seen as far back as 117 B.C with the reconstruction and enlargement of the podium of the Temple of Castor, as well as in 174 B.C when Portius Aemilius rebuilt and restored a large warehouse along the Tiber River.4 The Roman’s were careful not to leave any extra concrete unused, and therefore they used the remaining rubble as a filler between stone masonry.5 They also noticed that ...

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...uld not of been possible without the insight and cleverness of the engineers that conducted these extravagant layouts and designs and is a factor to how Roman engineer’s used intelligent and strategic thinking.

In conclusion, Roman architecture and engineering contributed much to Rome’s development and power as an empire. Architecture displayed an immense amount of workmanship as well as innovation. This is seen through Rome engineers as they created the concept of concrete, the aqueducts, and the luxurious Roman baths. Roman’s were clearly superior in the ancient world because they are seen as pioneers in the world of hydraulics and architecture. Roman engineers were able to pay attention to minor details, that in the end made them so successful. This success was the outcome of many is factors that had played into the overall image of Rome as the Greatest Empire.