Technological Improvements Romans Made to Greek Architecture

            Often Roman and Greek architecture is thought as one in the same because of their similar surface appearances but Roman architectural function and design is quite different.  The reason that so many Roman structures look Greek is due to the highly adaptive nature of the Roman culture, eager to assimilate other aspects of Greece into its appearance, just as it assimilated Greece itself into its empire.  An example of this was demonstrated soon after the Sulla’s Greek conquest with the immediate mosaic designs that were adopted in their homes (Links, 2008).

            However, Roman architecture significantly changed the technical construction of earlier Greek models to meet their cities needs.  Rome was a vast and sprawling empire, requiring structures to support its high urban population density.  The improved use of vaults and arches enabled Romans to create large public spaces such as public baths and basilicas.  This was also the first time that multi-tiered homes were constructed for large number of residents, and public and private structures were equipped with latrines and heating devices (Links, 2008).

            Rome created public buildings and monuments partly for political reasons.  This architectural domination was a tool of the empire to show its wealth and glory, and its self-image was even further gratified by the replicating public arches and dome structures in miniature all over the empire.  The Pantheon, the temple to all the gods is the most famous structure commemorating the city’s glory, another well known structure is the Coliseum Rome’s brutal site of entertainment embraced large crowds and dominated the landscape.  Soon the city became filled with triumphal arches memorializing great victories of generals and emperors; an example of this is the Triumphal Arches of Titus, Constantine, and Septimus.  Unlike ancient Greece, civic leaders as well as gods were consecrated in images near every public dwelling.

            Roman building materials were also different.  Unlike the Greeks, Roman builders were unable to use marble all the time due to the high cost.  But the Romans had developed concrete, in addition to their terracotta, stone and brick.  Concrete was another example of Roman advanced technological improvements.  It was “made by mixing pazzolana, a strong volcanic material with rubble and a mixture of limes.  The concrete was used to make walls, domes, vaulted roofs of solid concrete, concrete with brick ribs and faced structure” (Roman Architecture, 2008).

            The use of the arch with the development of new building materials enabled Romans to create aqueducts, channeling the water from hills to reservoirs.  This was another substantial move forward in architectural design and improving the quality of human life.   The covered pipes were lined with cement preventing evaporation and contamination, which made the supply plentiful to crowded locations and hygienic.  Rome was also the first civilization to create paved roads with ditches on either side for drainage (Roman Architecture, 2008).  The architectural accomplishment of the Romans does not take anything away from Greek achievements but it is important to remember every time we walk on sidewalks or roads we owe accolades to Roman architectural and technical innovations.

Works Cited

Links, C. (2008, November 5). Ancient Roman Architecture. Retrieved from Ancient Roman Architecture: http://www.crystalinks.com/romearchitecture.html

Roman Architecture. (2008, November 4). Retrieved from Romans Page: http://www.iol.ie/~coolmine/typ/romans/archie2.html