Discuss the importance of Roman construction

Running Head : Discuss the Discuss the importance of Roman construction

p Discuss the importance of Roman construction

Introduction

Roman architecture is a fusion of Etruscan elements and traditional Greek . Horizontal beams are supported by columns and arches are developed . The arch is further developed into dome . The basic building materials are stones , highly expensive marble and developed concrete Colorful chips of stone inset into the cement are widely in vogue . One can see in Roman homes mural decorating floors , grottoes in geometric and pictorial designs , on walls . Different regional tastes

, choice of the patrons dominates the scene of Roman Architecture . It goes to the credit of Roman Engineering that concrete for building practices is adopted The style relating to designing and construction of the domes can still be seen in North America and throughout Europe

The finest example of Roman Architecture is the Roman Colosseum , the well-known amphitheatre in the world . It is also known as Amphitheatrum Flavium , after the dynasty of Flavian . Construction was initiated by the Emperor Vespasian around 72 AD . His son Titus reigned over its completion and the official opening ceremonies , about 8 years later , in 80 AD .The huge theater was originally built encompassing four floors . The first three had arched entrances , while the fourth floor utilized rectangular doorways . The floors each measured between 10 5-13 , 9 meters (32-42 feet ) in height . The construction was approximately 48 meters (144 feet . The arena measured 79 x 45 meters (237-135 feet , and consisted of wood and sand . Nets along the sides protected the audience (The Colosseum

The spectator capacity is between 45 ,000-55 ,000 .Travertine is outside and tufa and brick in the interior . Each marble block used for the main pedestal weighs 11 ,000 pounds . They are held together by metal pins Later mortar is used , when thieves strike to remove the metal pins . The 100 ,000 cubic metes . The numbers of entrances are 80 , 76 for the general spectators and 4 for the VIPs and the gladiators . For the audience , the first row is throne-types seat with backs . These are also the seats of honor . Women , when permitted to attend the programs , sit in a separate section . Upper diazomata seats are reserved for foreigners . The architectural design is so imaginative and great from the point of view of light that no artificial lighting is necessary , as the performances are held during the day . Sound effects are , however , used

The Pantheon-temple of all Gods

According t Michelangelo , Pantheon is angelic and not human design The present Pantheon is about 1900 years old .Many legends prevail regarding the earlier structures of Pantheon . This is planned and designed by Hadrian , in 120 AD . His plans called for a structure with three main parts : a pronaos or entrance portico , a circular domed rotunda or vault , and a connection between the two . The rotunda 's internal geometry would create a perfect sphere , since the height of the rotunda to the top of its dome would match its diameter : 142 feet (43...