Introduction to Roman Art, Architecture, & Technology Roman Architecture Rome was the capital of the Mediterranean world, and the city all other Roman Towns emulate. Roman Architecture is famous for two major technical advances: The arch as decorative and utilitarian The use of Concrete in new methods, especially vaulting (monumental and large scale). Forum The Forum (a Latin word meaning open space or market place) was the administrative and corporate heart of Rome. Generally this word referred to the open space in any Roman town where business, judicial, civic, or religious activities were conducted. A typical forum might be surrounded by temples, shops, and basilicas (large, covered structures used for various meetings). Amphitheater Colosseum: probably the best known Roman monument Primarily for gladiatorial shows, animal shows, and mock water battles. Circus Maximus: was a large, oval track where chariot races took place. It is an ancient arena and mass entertainment venue located in Rome. The Arch The Triumphal arch was the most simple and common form. The aqueduct was the most spectacular. Roman civil engineers developed the design and construction of highly refined structures using only simple materials, equipment, and mathematics. History Channel Aqueducts story-of-all-of-us/videos/mankind-the-story-of- all-of-us-aqueducts?m=51896f71b138fstory-of-all-of-us/videos/mankind-the-story-of- all-of-us-aqueducts?m=51896f71b138fstory-of-all-of-us/videos/mankind-the-story-of- all-of-us-aqueducts?m=51896f71b138f Roman Roads Via Appia and other Roads They were built by the Roman army during times of peace. As each new area was conquered, a road would be built connecting it to the rest of the empire. The roads were built very straight so the army could march along it quickly. The goal was to go from Rome to any part of the Empire in about 10 days! All Roads Lead to Rome" History Channel Roman Roads story-of-all-of-us/videos/mankind-the-story-of- all-of-us-roman-roads?m=51896f71b138fstory-of-all-of-us/videos/mankind-the-story-of- all-of-us-roman-roads?m=51896f71b138fstory-of-all-of-us/videos/mankind-the-story-of- all-of-us-roman-roads?m=51896f71b138f Roman Road 1) First, the army builders would clear the ground of rocks and trees. They then dug a trench where the road was to go and filled it with big stones. 2) Next, they put in big stones, pebbles, cement and sand which they packed down to make a firm base. 3) Then they added another layer of cement mixed with broken tiles. 4) On top of that, they then put paving stones to make the surface of the road. These stones were cut so that they fitted together tightly. 5) Kerb stones were put at the sides of the road to hold in the paving stones and to make a channel for the water to run away.