As with sculpture, the Romans borrowed heavily from two cultures that they conquered the Etruscans and the Greeks.
Elements of Roman architecture show very significant Greek influence. However, Roman functional needs sometimes differed, resulting in interesting innovations. The Romans were less attached to ideal forms and extended Greek ideas to make them more functional.
Romans needed interior space for worship, whereas the Greeks worshipped outside. Their solution was to extend the walls outward, creating engaged columns, while maintaining the same basic shape.
Roman Innovation
Roman Innovation
Tuscan Order:
Roman Innovation
The Composite order combined elements of both the Ionic and Corinthian. It appears to be Corinthian acanthus leaves, supplemented with volutes.
Roman Innovation
The Romans were the great engineers of the ancient world. Their structures, particularly of public works, were often massive in scale.
Roman Innovation
The Roman ability to build massively was largely determined by their discovery of slowdrying concrete, made with pozzolana sand. This allowed not only bases, but also walls to be constructed of mainly concrete or concrete and rubble. Facings could be made of more expensive stone or inexpensive brick. The result was strong structures that could be formed in any desirable shape.
The Temple of Fortuna Primigenia was a massive structure, made possible by concrete construction.
Roman baths were the recreation centers of Roman cities, incorporating pools, exercise facilities and even libraries. They could serve hundreds or thousands at a time.
Romans did not invent this form, but they used it well in bridges, within buildings, and to allow aqueducts to span rivers and gorges.
The Romans transported water from far away to cities via aquaducts. Cities themselves were plumbed, providing private water for the rich and for baths and communal supplies for poorer neighbourhoods.
Roman Innovation
Public spectacles be they gladiatorial combat or theatrical were given public venues. Theatres and arenas were built to hold multiple thousands of people and were engineered so as to allow quick and effective entry and exit.
Roman Innovation
Roman Innovation
Worship The Pantheon
Roman Innovation
Worship The Pantheon
Employing a dome over a drum. Coffering the dome to reduce weight. Placing an occulus to allow light to enter.
Roman Innovation
Housing - Insulae
Roman Innovation
Road Building
The need to move legions and trade goods in all weather led to the development of the best roads in the world (to the 19th century).
Roman Innovation
Road Building
Basilica were first built to house audience facilities for government officials. When Christianity became the state religion, this kind of building was adapted to Christian worship.
A large nave is flanked by side aisles behind a row of supporting piers. An Apse draws attention in the direction of the altar.
Conclusion
The Romans were brilliant engineers. Their innovations form the basis of much of our civil engineering today.