preview

The Influence Of Public Architecture In Ancient Rome

Decent Essays

From the early Roman Republic, the Roman architectural style began to thrive and it heavily depended on inspiration from its Greek neighbors. In the early Imperial period however, the combination of the Greek and Etruscan styles allowed the Romans a chance to achieve true originality in their constructions, developing large walls with arches and, at a later date, domes. The subsequent innovation in Roman concrete further allowed for architectural styles in Rome to expand, granting the development and application of arches and vaulted ceilings.

Public Roman Buildings

The Roman culture invested greatly in, and produced, a great number of public buildings, many of which being on a grand scale. These public buildings of Rome helped in the fulfilment of three criteria for the populus Romanus; religious worship, entertainment and political necessities (Barton 1989, 2)

Forums

The Ancient …show more content…

It was a semi-circular structure, three stores high above which was a large curved hall, resembling a basilica. The market consisted of shops faced on to a corridor allowing passersby to see the goods. There were also restaurants and bars resemble to a modern day shopping mall.

Temples

Roman Temples were built for worship of their Gods and Goddesses and were situated in vital positions such as beside the forum or alongside one of the major roads. Roman Temples generally had gabled tops, a deep entrance called a portico with high pillars and a frontal staircase giving access to the podium.

Amphitheaters
The amphitheaters were splendid public buildings which were built for public entertainments within the ancient Roman world. These venues showcased the bloodiest forms of entertainment the gladiatorial fights to the Roman people, becoming the epitome of Rome’s ferocity and strength.

Circus
The Circus was a massive arena accommodating 250,000 spectators and providing various games, horse races and other large scale public

Get Access