Building Innovations of the Romans

Building Innovations of the Romans

Romans used a combination of techniques and materials to create innovative infrastructural designs. Most Roman infrastructural innovations reflected changing society’s needs and were funded and organized by state apparatus to ensure sustainability. Since the innovations were state-funded, designers accessed high-quality materials, leading to the permanence of the structures to date.

The round-arch bridge is one of the stunning infrastructural innovations built by the Romans. Due to the need to ensure ample water supply in the city, there was a need to build infrastructure that would serve that purpose. Using the aqueduct, Romans collected water from springs, which was later supplied to the city using the force of gravity (Stokstad & Michael Watt Cothren, 2018). The round arch bridge and aqueduct solved a practical problem and ensured sufficient water supply in Rome city and elsewhere. One of the reasons the innovation is considered outstanding is because it carried 100 gallons of water per day, fulfilling local needs. Also, the aqueduct technology ensured Rome could sustainably supply other cities with water. The aqueduct bridge system remains one of the hallmarks of Roman civilization.

Also, domed structures built using cement and concrete stand out among Rome’s innovative structures present. For instance, the well-preserved domed churches have an extensive interior and generate a monumental feel due to their outstanding shape (Stokstad & Michael Watt Cothren, 2018). Today, these structures act as tourist attractions due to their unique and monumental design. Another innovation that took the domed nature is the dome of the rock. During the structure’s construction, artists trained in the Bynzamite tradition to create the first Islamic-inspired art piece in Rome. The structure assertively appropriates Jewish and Roman features, and this represents Muslim’s perceptions that their faith supersedes all other faiths. The golden dome that dominates the skyline also indicates the perceived superiority of the Islamic religion during the period.

The Romans also built vast and complex networks of roads and bridges whose permanency cannot be overstated. Today, Western countries still use the technology developed by the Romans to construct roads. Besides, some bridges constructed by Romans are still in use to date. Roads in Rome were constructed using a combination of crushed stones and gravel that lay a carefully layered foundation (Stokstad & Michael Watt Cothren, 2018). Afterward, paving blocks were laid above the crushed stones and gravel. The most used paving blocks were ballast blocks since they could withstand significant pressure from heavy machinery locomoting on the roads. Due to the permanence of these roads, modern roads in Europe still use the technology.

Another notable innovation by the Romans was the burial vaults constructed using a combination of expertise and high-quality materials. The burial vaults were constructed alongside the funerary temple, where burial rites were performed. The tomb vault was constructed using regular layers, and the result was a cone-shaped structure (Stokstad & Michael Watt Cothren, 2018). Although they were used for burial, the vaults represent the artistic and engineering feat.

In summary, Roman infrastructural innovations stood out because of the expertise employed and the high-quality materials used. The artistic and infrastructural works were designed to align with the Romans’ way of life and culture and address practical problems. One of the reasons the innovations stand out is due to their permanency. Today, even European countries still use Roman innovations to construct crucial projects such as roads.

References

Stokstad, M., & Michael Watt Cothren. (2018). Art history. Volume 1 (6th ed.). Pearson.

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Describe the key architectural and engineering innovations of the Romans, explaining how they influenced the development of infrastructure and urban planning in ancient Rome and beyond.

Building Innovations of the Romans

Highlight specific examples, such as aqueducts, roads, and the use of concrete, and discuss their impact on modern construction techniques.