preview

How Did The Arch Influence Roman Architecture

Decent Essays

THE IMPACT OF THE ARCH AND CONCRETE ON ROMAN ARCHITECTURE Two innovations had a tremendous impact on Roman architecture. One was not a Roman invention, although it was improved upon, which was the arch. The other was without a doubt a Roman invention, namely, concrete. Both of these innovations, combined with the vault and the dome influenced greatly Roman Architecture. Let's begin with the arch. This was used by the Greeks long before the Romans, but it was utilized by the Romans in a more effective way. The arch was capable of sustaining a heavier load than a typical support due to its dispersing of weight over a wider distance.(Cartwright, 2013) Therefore, the arch enabled the Romans to build longer bridges and taller wider buildings. (Kamm,

Get Access