Friday, September 6, 2019
Roman Construction Essay Example for Free
Roman Construction Essay The most magnificent structures and works of art can probably be found in Rome. Compared to other civilizations, the Roman constructions crossed the boundaries of engineering in creating buildings, bridges and other structures out of mortars, bricks and woods. From public infrastructures to private houses, Romans were able to create a whole new ground for strong structures and as a result most of the structures that were built centuries ago can still be found to date. Although Roman contsructions were often linked to those of the Greeks, the indebtedness of Romans to contribute more in generating materials as well as techniques created a whole new different perspective in order for them to perfect and affect space-making and their architectural thinking for the purpose of longevity. It was said that most of solutions created by the Romans for constructions and discoveries of new techniques were greatly affected by the elements in the society such as wealth and high population densities. The innovative success of the Romans in the field of construction imposed the structures for the use of the public. The development in this field engined the growth of certain political propagandas which campaigned for the creation of building in pursuit of gaining fame from it and utilize such creations for public functions (Crystal, 2008). An example of one of the greatest structure created by the Romans in the Pantheon, a temple built for honoring gods. The Pantheon stands in the center of the city of Rome. Originally, it was Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa built the structure in the 27th B.C. From an ordinary rectangular shaped classical temple supported by colonnade on all sides, it was then rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian between AD 118 and 128 creating a central space called â€Å"rotunda†. Further reconstructions were done by succeding Roman emperors. The rotunda was then rebuilt by Emperors Septimius Lucius, Septimius Severus and Caracalla making it circular shaped during the third century which then formed the main parts of the Pantheon. Agrippas original portico remained untouched and across the porch of the portico stands sixteen Corinthian columns. The dome of the Pantheon was the largest ever built. The brick archs inside the dome which stand to provide external support are not visible, but rather only seen in t he lowest part of the dome (â€Å"The Pantheon†).            The method used to construct the Pantheon remained undetermined but according to records materials such as bricks, a stone formed from volcanic dust called â€Å"tufa†as well as basalt and pumice were used to build the structure with high quality. Pantheon is also known for its lavish interior and excellent lighting. The only souce of lighting from the builcing comes from the sun which passes from the top centre of the dome. This particular design in the Pantheon is considered as very revolutionary because it gave more emphasis on the interior design rather than the exterior part of the building. The grandiosity of Pantheon is evident through the colored marbles that is lined in the interiors, the rectangular shaped indentations cut out from the ceiling, the embellishment of bronze rosettes and moldings which later disappeared as well as a frieze of stucco decorations. The walls of the interiors are marked by seven deep recesse s which is screened by pairs of columns (â€Å"The Pantheon†).            Another Roman construction that has survived the scourge of time is the Roman Coloseum. This historical arena stands between the Esquiline and Calian Hills in Rome, Italy. Also known as the Flavian Ampitheater, this served as an area for entertainment among the Romans; wild beast hunts and gladiatorial combats are among the many spectacles shown in the ampitheater. The colosseum can accommodate around 50,000 spectators and holds about 80 entrances, 4 of which are made for the emperor. The external area of the ampitheater is built out of travertines while the tufa bricks infill the interiors. Marble blocks served as the main pedestal which are held by metal pins. Unfortunately the pins were then carried out by thieves and was later on replaced with mortars. The seats for the audience are classified according to social class and gender. Better seats are gained by those members of the community who are in the higher social status. Wooden benches on the fourth tier are made for the poor. In order to protect the crowd from the rainy or hot weather a wide colored awning known as â€Å"velarium†is stretched overhead. For nearly four centuries, gladiatorial combats and other spectacles are held in the colosseum (â€Å"Roman Colosseum†).            The aqueducts or the Roman waterway system held brought great changes in the field of engineering. It is considered to be the most advanced water system during the ancient times. Over the span of 500 years, 11 aqueducts were created that supplied the whole city of Rome. Some of the known aqueducts in Rome that maintained the flow of water during the ancient times are Aqua Appia, Aqua Novus and the Aqua Alexandrina. a combination of stones, bricks and pozzuolana, a speacial volcanic cement. The aqueducts certainly leave a distinct impression because despite the visible large arch structures, an impressive waterway system functions below the ground. It carried flowing water in areas like the valleys. The entire sytem relies mainly on slopes and gravity for the continuous flow of water to be maintained. Once the water hits Rome, large reservoirs called â€Å"castella†, which is maintained on the highest ground held the water supply of the whole city, which could be tapped by public fountains, baths and private villas from the network provided which sometimes requires a fee (â€Å"Roman Aqueducts†).            What the Romans constructed then had greatly affected various aspects in the society and the innovations they have created set forth an example of maximizing the available resources and still be able to produce quality works that will last for generations. In general, different Roman constructions were able to supply further solutions to problems and became a standard for great infrastructure we have today. References Crystal, E. (2008). Ancient Roman Architecture. Crystal Links. Retrieved June 13, 2008 from http://www.crystalinks.com/romearchitecture.html The Pantheon. Wise Dude. (n.d) Retrieved June 13, 2008 from     http://www.wisedude.com/history pantheon.htm Roman Colosseums. UNRV History. (n.d) Retrieved June 13, 2008 from http://www.unrv.com/culture/colosseum.php Roman Aqueducts. UNRV History. (n.d) Retrieved June 13, 2008 from http://www.unrv.com/culture/roman-aqueducts.php
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