The Effect Of Concrete In Roman Architecture

Introduction

The Roman Empire has had a lasting effect on all civilizations that have emerged in its wake. Specifically, Roman innovations in the fields of architecture and engineering continue to inspire builders and architects to this day. Moreover, concrete and the Roman application of arches are two advances of particular note that enabled the building of the roads, temples, aqueducts and bridges which empowered the Romans to spread their culture throughout Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa (Kamm, 2009; Moulton, 1998a). In my paper I will discuss the development of both concrete and the arch, the importance of each and the results of their use.

Discussion

Initially, Romans made extensive use of cut stone and timber in their buildings

Moreover, the arch allows the builder to construct a structure that can span vast distances with minimal expenditure of material yet is strong enough to bear its own weight (Kamm, 2009). Combined with the usage of concrete, Roman engineers constructed vast aqueducts which supplied the Roman cities with fresh water and an extensive network of roads enabling the movement of troops and the opening up of trade routes (Kirby, 2001). A famous examples include the Aqua Claudia aqueduct finished in 52 B.C.E which was an astonishing 42 miles in length and the Appian Way, a network of roads which the Romans began construction on as early as 312 B.C.E (Kirby, 2001).

Additionally, Roman application of these technological developments allowed for the construction of the vaults which empowered Roman engineers to construct buildings of substantial size (Moulton, 1998b). In 150 B.C., Romans constructed a warehouse containing 50 vaults and supporting arches which stored the entire city of Rome’s grain (Moulton, 1998b).

Other examples of structures employing the use of concrete and the arch are the famous Pantheon (rebuilt in A.D 120), the baths of Diocletian which could accommodate 3200 people, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine (A.D. 312) (Kamm, 2009; Moulton,