What is Roman architecture known for?

Roman architecture is known for concrete-domed buildings, the innovative use of the arch, the amphitheatre design, the basilica, the triumphal arch, and residential apartment blocks.

How would you describe Roman architecture?

Roman architecture can be described as an innovative combination of designs and materials that created new types of buildings which were impressive both from the outside and the inside. Roman buildings are often well-built, practical, and beautiful.

What are the most famous buildings of Roman architecture?

The most famous surviving buildings of Roman architecture include the circular Pantheon in Rome, the Colosseum in Rome, the Pont du Gard aqueduct in southern France, the Maison Carrée temple at Nimes, Hadrian's Wall in northern England, and the House of the Vettii villa at Pompeii.

Why was concrete important to Roman architecture?

Concrete was important in Roman architecture because it was a light but strong material that permitted the construction of large ceilings like the domed roof of the Pantheon in Rome. Concrete was also much cheaper than stone blocks and was used as a facing for walls which had rubble interiors.

What is the legacy of Roman architecture?

The legacy of Roman architecture is that innovations in materials can lead to innovations in designs that test the very limits of physics. Particular types of Roman buildings which still influence architecture today include the amphitheatre (sports stadiums), the basilica (churches), insulae (apartment blocks), and arches (bridges).

Roman Architecture Timeline

Definition

Roman architecture continued the legacy left by Greek architects and the established architectural orders, especially the Corinthian. The Romans were also innovators and they combined new construction techniques and materials with creative design to produce a whole range of brand new architectural structures. Typical innovative Roman buildings included the basilica, triumphal arch, monumental aqueduct, amphitheatre, and residential housing block.

More about: Roman Architecture

Timeline

484 BCE
The first temple of the Dioscuri (Castor & Pollux) is dedicated in Rome's Forum Romanum by Aulus Postumius following his victory over the Latins at the Battle of Lake Regillus.
380 BCE
Rebuilding of Rome. Strong walls around the seven hills.
321 BCE
The Via Appia, a famous Roman road, is constructed.
312 BCE
Rome's first aqueduct constructed, the 16 km long Aqua Appia.
184 BCE
The first basilica is added to Rome's Forum Romanum.
146 BCE
First Roman all-marble building is constructed, the temple of Jupiter Stater in Rome.
144 BCE - 140 BCE
Rome's 91 km long Aqua Marcia aqueduct constructed.
121 BCE
The first triumphal arch is added to Rome's Forum Romanum.
c. 75 BCE
The amphitheatre of Pompeii is built.
55 BCE
Pompey the Great builds the first permanent stone theatre in Rome.
54 BCE - 29 BCE
Forum of Caesar constructed in Rome by Julius Caesar as another area to conduct judicial business. It is the best surviving of his monuments.
29 BCE
Augustus builds the temple of Divius Iulius on the spot of Julius Caesar's funeral pyre in Rome's Forum Romanum.
c. 27 BCE
The first Pantheon is built in Rome and dedicated by Marcus Agrippa.
c. 20 BCE
Military engineer and architect Vitruvius publishes his "De Architectura".
c. 20 BCE
The Campus Martius baths in Rome are constructed and donated to the people by Agrippa.
19 BCE
Arch of Augustus built in Rome to commemorate victory over the Parthians.
c. 13 BCE
Official inauguration of the Theatre of Marcellus in Rome.
2 BCE
Augusutus inaugurates the Temple of Mars Ultor in Rome to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BCE.
c. 1 CE - c. 100 CE
Construction of the temple of Jupiter Baal by the Romans at Baalbek.
c. 50 CE
The largest Roman aqueduct, 49 m high, completed at Pont du Gard.
c. 65 CE
The Circus Maximus in Rome is rebuilt and its capacity increased to 250,000.
c. 65 CE
The Baths of Nero are built in Rome.
72 CE
Vespasian begins construction of the Colosseum in Rome.
80 CE
The Colosseum in Rome is officially opened by Titus with a 100 day gladiator spectacular.
81 CE - 96 CE
Construction is finally completed on the Colosseum of Rome in the reign of Domitian.
c. 81 CE
The Arch of Titus is built in Rome's Forum Romanum to commemorate the conquest of Jerusalem.
110 CE
The Baths of Trajan in Rome are completed.
113 CE
Trajan's column is constructed in Rome which commemorates the emperor's campaigns in Dacia.
117 CE - 138 CE
Rule of the Roman Emperor Hadrian who supports great building projects in and around the Agora of Athens.
122 CE
Construction begins on Hadrian's Wall.
c. 125 CE
The Pantheon is completed in Rome.
c. 127 CE
The Baths of Hadrian at Lepcis Magna are completed.
150 CE
Nymphaion fountain of Herodes Atticus built at Olympia.
162 CE
The Antonine Baths at Carthage are completed.
c. 180 CE
The Column of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina is erected in Rome. It depicts in relief sculpture the emperors' campaigns across the Danube.
202 CE
The Pantheon in Rome is repaired by Septimius Severus and Caracalla.
203 CE
The Arch of Septimius Severus is built in Rome's Forum Romanum to commemorate victories over the Parthians.
216 CE
The Severan basilica at Lepcis Magna is built.
227 CE
The Baths of Nero in Rome are extensively renovated and expanded by Alexander Severus and renamed Thermae Alexandrinae.
c. 235 CE
The Baths of Caracalla in Rome are completed.
305 CE
The Baths of Diocletian in Rome are completed.
c. 315 CE
Arch of Constantine I built in Rome to commemorate victory over Maxentius in 312 CE.
315 CE
The Baths of Constantine I in Rome are completed.
c. 360 CE - c. 380 CE
The Temple of Saturn is rebuilt in the Forum Romanum of Rome.
608 CE
The Pantheon in Rome is converted into a Christian church.