Ancient Roman Architecture

What comes to your mind when you think of Rome? Is it the buildings? Possibly the works of
art which can be seen by walking down a simple street? If so then join the club and indulge in the
wonderland which ancient Roman architecture presents us?
The architecture of ancient Rome is among the most influential parts of architecture today.
Their achievements were revolutionary for their time and are used as a basis of foundation in our own
modern style. For example, before their invention of cement architectural progress was at a stand still.
With this and their research on stress and counter-stress architects were able to start experimenting with
new and interesting forms of building which would eventually begin the western architectural tradition.
Roman architecture was not fully inspired by the Romans, however. It adopted some of the
techniques of Greek architecture and, although very different, resulted in a fantastically new style of
architecture. Use of the Triclinium in Roman villas as a place to dine is one of the many Greek
influences. Their Etruscan neighbors also played a card by supplying them with knowledge which was
indispensable for the development of the hydraulics and construction of arches.
The construction of the arches along with the use of concrete and vaulted ceilings made for the
first covered public spaces. Structures such as the public baths and basillicas or more specifically
Hadrian's Pantheon and the Baths of Diocletian were constructed with the use of these innovations.
Supporting the fact that architecture was greatly influenced by religion, the arch was made to
symbolize the triumph of Christ and the after life. Possibly the best demonstration though of the arch is
in the Romans many intriguing aqueducts, many of which still survive today.
Given the high acclaim for ancient roman theater and the spectacular buildings which it was
held it usually comes as a surprise that these things were not always so. In fact until about four
centuries after the foundation of Rome anyone involved in the theater was open game to be slaughtered
in the street. Up until that time plays were presented in shacks, the scenery and seating for the audience
were nonexistent. In 155B.C. there was an attempt to erect the first stone theater but sadly it was
prohibited by the senate which were still opposed to the idea. Ten years later progress was at hand
when stages became permanent and the manager could stop paying out of pocket for the little scenery
they had.
Pompey the Great was the one who finally made the momentous decision in 55B.C. to build the
very fist stone theater. The theater of Pompey was eventually followed by the erection of two more
great theaters which were completed in 13B.C. These theaters were the theater of Balbus and the
theater of Marcellus and were also accompanied by the theaters in the great baths. “Nowhere does the
architecture of the Romans shine so much as when their gigantic buildings are left to tell their own tale
by imposing grandeur of their masses” ( 2020site.org).
If you ever wanted to study the ancient roman temples you would soon discover that hardly any
information is available on the most ancient temples, although if you are lucky in your academic search
you may find a few facts worthy of remark. The cattle market called the Forum Boardium, erected
during the reign of Augustus, had a circular temple called the Temple of Vesta and is the only
remaining structure of it's kind. The temple is adorned with 19 remaining columns which are graceful
even in their robust figure. Perhaps the only thing still in near perfect condition were the marble steps
surrounding the entire structure. The effect of this is breath taking and is the only structure setting such
a fine example remaining in Rome.
 Solid marble blocks and walls faced with thin marble linings make up the Temple of Mars
Ultor. Spaces are left between the courses of solid blocks which are built up in peperino and lined with
Greek marble (2020site.org). It shows that the structure was truly magnificent in it's day when even the
fragments of what is left show enough skill and workmanship to make a person stand back in awe. The
Temple of Mars Utler is supposed to have been erected by Agustus in fulfillment of Julius Caesar's
death being avenged after the suicides of Brutus and Cassius.
The ancient Romans were most definitely a race of spectacular creative minds. The legacy
which they have left displayed in their monumental works of art is one that will never have it's match.