by Lalitha Subbaraman

Created on: July 21, 2009   Last Updated: July 23, 2009

Rome was not built in few days. Exploration of the realm of architecture of ancient Rome help us to warp back into those ancient eras. Roman empire thrived between 509 BC to AD 330. The architecture of ancient Rome has its origin in the past Etruscan civilization.

When the empire expanded its architecture expanded with the Romans of many fields and classes like priests, politicians, artists , and emperors.The basic theme of architecture of ancient Rome was an art of the design of space around ritual from beginning to the end.

Romans came with the design of arches . Arches were not just used for ornamental features in architecture of ancient Rome.. Arches served an important function of distribution of weight for ceilings and roofs architecturally. Arches came in different variations. Arches in hallways gave the illusion of height and elegance. Arches of 360 degrees formed the basis for the architectural design of Domes. The opening in the top of the dome was designed to bring the natural sunlight within the interior of the building. Arches were the trade mark of architecture in ancient Rome. Bridges and aqueducts were the first structures in the architecture of ancient Rome. Arches were also constructed to honor the Roman leaders. Vaults were also designed and constructed which are arched roofs.

Romans used natural materials to make plaster. Aqueducts were channels with the construction of brick or stone to carry water to area where it was being used. Ancient architecture in Rome is known for the aqueducts . The aqueduct system supplied water for the city. One famous aqueduct was Pont Du Gard which carried water for 30 miles away and supplied the city of Nimes( ancient Roman city)(22,000 tons)of water.

Romans used architectural legacy of columns . Columns were used as a support as well as ornamental decoration in the architecture of ancient Rome. Romans came up with five different version of columns: Tuscan Doric, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite.

Pantheon was built during an era of Emperor Hadrian . Pantheon, the word means a space for all Gods. Pantheon was a circular building with plaster and concrete construction. Its important interior features were huge dome, marble decoration, lit by an opening in the top of the dome.It has five Corinthian columns for support. Pantheon was an architectural monument for the architecture in ancient Rome. Roman priests were the early architects.

Concrete was a Roman invention. Amphitheater has its origin in the architecture of ancient Rome. Colosseum was another example of architecture of ancient Rome.

Architectural exploration of ancient Rome is memorable intriguing venture and it is time to warp back to our time. The ruins of some of the ancient Roman architectural monuments have tales to tell for future centuries yet to come. When we admire our modern architectural accomplishments, we see the echoes of the architectural past from those architecture in ancient Rome.

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