Ancient Rome Architecture of Italy

the colosseum in rome, italy.

the architecture of ancient rome adopted external greek architecture around 2nd century bc own purposes, creating new architectural style. 2 styles considered 1 body of classical architecture. approach considered reproductive, , hinders scholars understanding , ability judge roman buildings greek standards, particularly when relying solely on external appearances. romans absorbed greek influence, apparent in many aspects closely related architecture; example, can seen in introduction , use of triclinium in roman villas place , manner of dining. romans, similarly, indebted etruscan neighbors , forefathers supplied them wealth of knowledge essential future architectural solutions, such hydraulics , in construction of arches.

social elements such wealth , high population densities in cities forced ancient romans go discover new (architectural) solutions of own. use of vaults , arches sound knowledge of building materials, example, enabled them achieve unprecedented successes in construction of imposing structures public use. examples include aqueducts of rome, baths of diocletian , baths of caracalla, basilicas , perhaps famously of all, colosseum. reproduced @ smaller scale in important towns , cities in empire. surviving structures complete, such town walls of lugo in hispania tarraconensis, or northern spain.