Introduction to
Roman Art,
Architecture, &
Technology
Roman Architecture
► Rome
was the capital of the Mediterranean
world, and the city all other Roman Towns
emulate.
► Roman Architecture is famous for two major
technical advances:
 The arch as decorative and utilitarian
 The use of Concrete in new methods, especially
vaulting (monumental and large scale).
Forum
►
►
The Forum (a Latin word meaning open space or market
place) was the administrative and corporate heart of
Rome. Generally this word referred to the open space in
any Roman town where business, judicial, civic, or religious
activities were conducted.
A typical forum might be surrounded by temples, shops,
and basilicas (large, covered structures used for various
meetings).
Amphitheater
►
Colosseum: probably the best known Roman monument
 Primarily for gladiatorial shows, animal shows, and mock water
battles.
►
Circus Maximus: was a large, oval track where chariot
races took place. It is an ancient arena and mass
entertainment venue located in Rome.
The Arch
► The
Triumphal arch was the most simple
and common form.
► The aqueduct was the most spectacular.
► Roman civil engineers developed the design
and construction of highly refined structures
using only simple materials, equipment, and
mathematics.
History Channel
► Aqueducts
 http://www.history.com/shows/mankind-thestory-of-all-of-us/videos/mankind-the-story-ofall-of-us-aqueducts?m=51896f71b138f
Roman Roads
► Via
Appia and other Roads
 They were built by the Roman army during
times of peace.
 As each new area was conquered, a road would
be built connecting it to the rest of the empire.
 The roads were built very straight so the army
could march along it quickly.
 The goal was to go from Rome to any part of
the Empire in about 10 days!
►“All
Roads Lead to Rome"
History Channel
► Roman
Roads
 http://www.history.com/shows/mankind-thestory-of-all-of-us/videos/mankind-the-story-ofall-of-us-roman-roads?m=51896f71b138f
Roman Road
1) First, the army builders
would clear the ground of
rocks and trees. They then
dug a trench where the road
was to go and filled it with
big stones.
2) Next, they put in big
stones, pebbles, cement and
sand which they packed
down to make a firm base.
3) Then they added
another layer of cement
mixed with broken tiles.
4) On top of that, they
then put paving stones to
make the surface of the
road. These stones were cut
so that they fitted together
tightly.
5) Kerb stones were
put at the sides of the
road to hold in the
paving stones and to
make a channel for the
water to run away.