The History of the Arch – From Ancient Greece to Today

By Salvadorean
  • 700 BCE – Flat Stone Lintels in Ancient Greece
    700 BCE

    700 BCE – Flat Stone Lintels in Ancient Greece

    Greek buildings used flat stone beams (called lintels) before true arches. These were heavy and could break easily.
  • 600 BCE – Early Greek Arches in Tombs
    600 BCE

    600 BCE – Early Greek Arches in Tombs

    Greeks started using corbel arches in tombs and underground spaces. These weren’t true arches but showed the beginning of curved building shapes.
  • 100 BCE – Romans Perfect the True Arch
    100 BCE

    100 BCE – Romans Perfect the True Arch

    The Romans used keystone arches in buildings, bridges, and aqueducts. This helped them build taller and stronger structures.
  • 300 CE – Arches in Roman Basilicas
    300

    300 CE – Arches in Roman Basilicas

    Arches became common inside large buildings and churches. They helped create large open spaces without columns in the middle.
  • 1100 CE – Pointed Arches in Gothic Architecture
    1100

    1100 CE – Pointed Arches in Gothic Architecture

    Builders in Europe used pointed arches in cathedrals (like Notre Dame). Pointed arches spread weight better and allowed for taller buildings.
  • 1400 CE – Renaissance Arches Return to Roman Style
    1400

    1400 CE – Renaissance Arches Return to Roman Style

    Architects studied Roman ruins and used rounded arches again. This created beautiful and balanced buildings.
  • 1700 CE – Arches in Bridges and Government Buildings

    1700 CE – Arches in Bridges and Government Buildings

    Builders used stone and brick arches in bridges, train stations, and courthouses.
  • 1800 CE – Iron Arches in the Industrial Age

    1800 CE – Iron Arches in the Industrial Age

    Iron allowed wider, taller arches in railways, factories, and greenhouses.
  • 1900 CE – Reinforced Concrete Arches

    1900 CE – Reinforced Concrete Arches

    Builders used concrete and steel to make strong arch bridges and buildings.
  • 2000s–Today – Modern Arches in Stadiums & Museums

    2000s–Today – Modern Arches in Stadiums & Museums

    Architects use new materials to make creative arch shapes in modern buildings.