1. Ancient Roman Architecture
Philip Berges

2. Morphology and Characteristics
Lots of columns, even when not structurally necessary
Triumphal Arches were often created to commemorate significant events.
The fully enclosed amphitheater was a Roman favorite.
Roman structures typically had a highly decorative exterior and favored enclosed spaces.
Arch of Constantine, built in the year AD 315

3. Culture
Entertainment varied greatly in Rome, which meant many structures were needed.
There were Greek style theaters for plays, as well as smaller buildings used for musical performances.
The Romans also built elliptical amphitheaters, such as the Colosseum, which were used for gladiator combat.
Romans also built a circus in many cities, where residents would go to watch chariot racing and performances.
Roman aqueducts carried water for miles throughout cities.
The Roman Colosseum began construction in AD 72 and opened for business in AD 80. It could seat 50,000 people

4. History
The city of Rome was founded in 753 BC and the Western Roman Empire collapsed in AD 476.
Romans innovated upon traditional Ancient Greek architectural styles.
The Roman Architectural Revolution AKA the Concrete Revolution was the widespread use of concrete to make arches, vaults, and domes.
This revolution really sparked with the invention of Roman Concrete, estimated back to about 150 BC
The Pantheon is the best preserved building from Ancient Rome.
The Pantheon was built three times by the Romans, since it burned down the first two times it was built.
The Roman Pantheon was the largest dome in the world for more than 1000 years.

5. Aesthetics and Meaning
Roman architecture was meant to be opulent and extravagant
Romans used their lavish architectural styles to demonstrate that Rome was culturally superior to the world
Materials were chosen not just for structural purposes but also for their aesthetic quality, such as how concrete could be used in vast domed spaces
Inside the Pantheon rotunda
This amphitheater was built in AD 56.

6. Materials
Roman architecture commonly used marble as a material in columns
Early Roman architects favored imported colored marble
Limestone was used often as a substitute for marble
Romans also were known for creating concrete using different kinds of stone which they used in many of their structures which have stood the test of time
Roman concrete bricks on the Colosseum

7. Geography Ancient Rome was located in Italy.
Rome was located next to the Tiber River which led to very fertile farmland.
Rome’s geography protected them but did not isolate them, which allowed them to conquer other nations.
As the Roman Empire grew, so did its culture.
Ancient Rome’s location on the Italian Peninsula

8. Lighting Many Ancient Roman houses featured a sort of solar furnace.
These furnaces were a separate space in the house where solar heat could be trapped and redistributed.
When the Pantheon was rebuilt, the opening on top of the dome used sunlight to heat and light the rotunda
Inner view of the dome of the Pantheon

9. Construction Process
Ancient Romans relied heavily on arches for structural support.
The Romans developed a very strong mortar by mixing volcanic ash with limestone.
The Romans used domes and arches to be able to build their monuments much higher yet still be structurally sound.
The Pons Aemilius, today called the Ponte Rotto, is the oldest Roman stone bridge in Italy. It was built in the second century BC.