The Roman Arch: Definition, Construction & History

Introduction

Roman architecture gives an insight into the innovative minds of the people of those times. The legacy left behind by the Greeks was taken up by the Romans. Later they adopted the already established order in construction.

Innovations like interior spacing were introduced, and with the combinations of new materials, a new architectural form came about noticeable in basilicas and amphitheaters in Rome. All these structures were backed by the state and built for the people of Rome.

Influence on Later Architecture

The influence of Greek architecture was prominent in the Roman period with the use of post- and - lintel systems. It focused on the exterior and the interior of the building. But Romans made an interesting innovation and made the interior more spacious by arching and vaulting. An example of this is the Pantheon.

The Greeks heavily influenced basilicas in Italy, but the Romans added their touch with soaring arches and domes. The Augustan period witnessed the use of marble and fountains, and the State provided more funding to build monuments and assert the superiority of the Romans in the world.

Materials

The materials used in Roman architecture were an indigenous volcanic stone called Tufa, found in Italy. Tufa was used in most buildings, but a new stone called Travertine white limestone started being used as a substitute for marble as it was white and suitable for buildings.

Roman concrete was developed in 2nd B.C.E. However, the use of mortar was not new to the world. Still, they introduced Italian volcanic sand called pozzolana than normal sand and began to notice that it increased the durability. Basalt was used for making roads, and terracotta was used for building ornamentation.

City design

The city design in Roman times was impeccable. The Romans built them in orthogonal structures, which molded their colonies.

The Roman city was built for living. So the Romans kept the defense and civil amenities in mind, and an outer wall was there to protect the city. Two diagonal streets cut each other to reduce travel time. Areas outside the city were treated as farmlands.

A river flowed through the city that provided water, transport, and disposal. Each city had different buildings of different shapes and sizes; the streets were laid out in straight angles, and bridges were constructed as and when required.

Building Types

There were many building types in Roman Architecture. Let’s discuss some of them below −

Basilicas

They were large buildings that the Christian Church used as law courts, and it was supported by piers and columns and was near the city’s marketplace. The Severan basilica is a fine example of this.

Aqueducts and Bridges

They were huge structures with double and triple tiers of arches that carried water to the urban cities and centres far away.

Baths

The beautiful interiors of the baths with hot and cold rooms, inner wall heating, and terracotta piping in a huge complex were the baths of Roman people. Baths of Caracalla is an outstanding example.

Insula

These were multi-story apartments to meet residential needs. The windows were street-facing with iron bars. The port town of Ostia is an example of an Insula.

Decorative Structures

Romans prided themselves on their advancement in architecture, as seen in their cities, buildings, and materials used. Still, they also built many decorative structures like monoliths, obelisks, triumphal arches, and Roman gardens, which inspired others to construct, experiment and leave a legacy behind for the people to feel pride.

These decorative structures paved the way for more architectural advancements as they helped build different types of structures and see if they could stand the test of time.

Infrastructure

Romans were excellent in architecture and planned everything to the minute detail, be it the cities, decorative structures, or the infrastructure like roads measured and built as they connected the cities. There were no bumps, and the roads were smooth. Roman aqueducts were constructed to supply water to different parts of the city.

The bridges were built for better connectivity and were semi-circular in shape, which led the flood waters out easily. Roman canals were built for irrigation, flood control, and navigation. Dams were also constructed for flood control, soil retention, and river diversion. Defensive walls were built around cities for protection and were like a fortress too.

Architectural Features

The Roman civilization architecture always had some unique features. Those are −

• The architectural features of Roman buildings were unique at that time. Materials were of high quality. Later, the reign of Sulla brought a new change.

• The hypocaust was an underfloor heating system. The invention of Sergius Orata was also used to heat baths and buildings.

• Roman roofs were huge and 30 m wide, spanned the rectangular spaces of public buildings, and the Roman architect introduced spiral stairways in the later periods.

Significant Buildings and Area

The significant buildings and areas of the Roman period that showcase their architectural powers are −

• The Baths of Caracalla − This iconic monument is located in Eastern Rome. This was not just a simple place to take a bath. This offered people a social experience of bathing which included various exclusive bathing experiences.

• Colosseum − The Colosseum, famously known as the amphitheater in Rome was built during Flavian emperors’ rule. This monument’s structure is four stories high, and it is 189/156 meters wide.

Conclusion

The Roman architecture used columns, inner spacing, Tufa, and marble, giving the best monuments for future generations. The colosseum is a shining example of the architectural marvel the Romans gave the world.

The influence of Greek, Egyptian, and Etruscan Styles mixed with the innovative minds and designs of the Roman architects gave rise to a new style that changed how architecture is viewed. The Romans were indeed a torchbearer of future architecture.

FAQs

Q1. Why was Roman architecture essential?

Ans. Roman architecture was influenced by various other cultures. So, when Romans created their art and monuments, they became wonders, making Rome an artistically flourished country.

Q2. Was Insula important in Roman society?

Ans. Insula was a multi-story apartment built to meet the residential needs of commoners. So, yes. Insula was important.

Q3. What styles influenced Roman Architecture?

Ans. Greek and Egyptian, and Etruscan influenced Roman architecture. However, Roman architects did further innovations to develop new styles too.