Roman architecture evolved over time, with innovations like the arch and concrete allowing them to construct grand structures. The Romans advanced architectural forms originated by previous civilizations and developed techniques like the rounded arch. Major Roman constructions discussed include the Pont du Gard aqueduct, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and widespread use of mosaics in decorative art. These constructions showcase the Romans' architectural abilities and innovations in materials like brick and concrete.

1. Roman Art & Architecture Function over form (they would have liked our freeways more than our statues) Arches + Concrete = awesome! (Concrete = more durable than wood, easier than stone)

2. Evolution of the Arch Pre-historic people stuck big rocks in the ground

3. Evolution of the Arch Egyptians spaced thick pillars close together to support heavy ceilings

4. Greeks stuck with post-and-lintel, but with thinner columns and thinner cross-beams.

5. Romans figured out the arch

6. Parts of an Arch

7. Pont du Gard (50 AD) “ Bridge of the River” (French) The world’s tallest surviving aqueduct. A 30-mile canal that supplied 9,000,000 gallons of water per day to Nimes! (That’s 100 gallons per second!) The biggest arch in it is 80 feet across!

10. Other Roman Aqueducts

11. The Colosseum (80 AD)

12. The Colosseum Showcases Roman’s innovations – brick, concrete, and rounded arches Killing = a spectator sport! Used Greek columns (ground level = Doric, 2nd story = Ionic, 3rd story = Corinthian) and Greek Statues to decorate

13. The arena inside was covered with wooden boards, then sprinkled with sand. Holds up to 50,000 fans Topped with a canvas to provide shade. Men v. Men, Men v. Beasts, Beasts v. Beasts

14. The Pantheon (27 BC/126 AD)

15. The Pantheon Math + Engineering + Slaves A Roman temple dedicated to all gods Dome was the largest in the world until the Renaissance 142 feet high, 142 feet wide (is a sphere!) Made from concrete that goes from 23 feet thick at start to 5 feet thick at top Oculus (“eye”) is 30 feet across and is the only light source

16. Rome’s Greatest Column

17. Mosaics Patterns and pictures made with geometrically-cut tiles (usually glass or stone) Have been around for a while (as old as 3000 BC!) Romans had a lot (house decorations, street art, building décor, etc.) Pompeii was covered with them