Advancement of the Roman Architecture & Technology

THESIS

2016 BCE

Although Rome's technology and architecture did advance, Rome's technology changed more drastically than it's architecture. The Roman's were able to advance and use their technology of cement. arches, aqueducts, and roads.Compared to their architecture that did not change as much besides of different influences from different culture for the different features, Rome's technology did indeed improve and advance.

Rise of Rome

509 BCE

The Aqueducts

312 BCE

In 312 BC, a water system that provided for the entire population of Rome, called the Aqueducts, was built. The Aqueducts was a technology that the Romans invented and depended on greatly. This event was a continuity because it was used until the Fall of Rome when Rome was bombarded.

Appian Way

312 BCE

In 312 B.C., the first and important road in Rome was built by Appius Claudius - the Appian Way. This road's main purpose was to trade and to access to the east - specifically Greece. This road was well designed to where it was made for run off water to go into the ditches. This event was a continuity because Romans continued to create roads & highways to travel, trade, & network with.

Basilica Porcia

184 BCE

In 184 BC, the Basilica Porcia was the first basilica to be built. This place provided as an official meeting location for tribunals (law cases) and was one of the many architectures that was destroyed by fire in 53 BCE. This even was a change during the time, due to craftsmanship and architecture of the building, it influenced others to build more basilicas.

Pons Aemilius Bridge

178 BCE

The Pon Aemilius Bridge is the oldest stone bridge in Rome. In the beginning the bridge was built out of wood, but when the bridge continued to fall and break, the Romans rebuilt it with stone and cement. This architecture shows how the buildings were made with "poor" material, but then improved with the new technology of cement. This is a continuity because the Romans continued to use the method of the cement.

Domus Aurea

65

After the great fire in 64 AD cleared away the wealthy homes, Emperor Nero built the Domus Aurea. The Domus Aurea was a large landscaped villa in Rome which was a place for entertainment and a home to Nero. The event was a change because the architecture for Nero's Palace will show how the influence of dome and waterfalls would be a common feature for homes in the future.

The Colosseum

70

The Colosseum was built in 70 AD and is one of the most important architecture in Rome today. The purpose of the Colosseum was for the Roman citizen's entertainment. The Colosseum's structure and architect is spectacular even from the outside of the open arcades on each of the three floors. The building of the Colosseum was a continuity because Roman citizens actually depended on the Colosseum for food as well - so they continued to go to the games.

Trajan's Baths

104

Trajan's baths were built in 104 AD and they were bath houses provided for the Roman citizen to use and enjoy. In these baths, the Romans used the heating system of hypocaust to heat their baths. These baths show Trajan's mark on the Roman empire just how the past emperors left their mark. This event shows continuity because the Roman empire continued to use the labor system with slaves. This is because the only people who would process the underground heating system would be the slaves.

Trajan's Market

110

Trajan's Market was a large complex of buildings that was built in 110 AD. The market sold spices, fruits, vegetables, fish, wine, and oil from across the world. The buildings were largely constructed with bricks and concrete which is one of the great examples of imperial Roman architecture using those materials. This event was a continuity because the same merchants who sold the products wouldn't ever change.

The Pantheon

126

In 126 AD, the Pantheon was built by Hadrian and one of it's features stood out the most.There was really no official purpose for the Pantheon, besides the theory was that it was designed as a temple for the emperor. The one feature that stood out the most was the dome.The Romans did use cement for their roads, but this cement was different because was made lighter to be used for the dome. This event was a change because the cement used before was changed into a different substance.

Hadrian's Wall

128

Hadrian's Wall was built in 122 AD and was a defensive wall that simply was built to keep the trouble out. Even though it seems like it is just a wall, the Romans did a great job designing this structure. They included forts, ditches and ditches with mounds. This is was a continuity event because the building materials (stone/marble) stayed the same.

Fall of Rome

476