3 pages
Details: Discuss the importance of Roman construction, using the Phase Resources, as well as your text, finding examples of Roman engineering. The Romans took the arch, a rarely employed technique, and used it in buildings and bridges all over the Empire. The Romans also invented concrete to build bigger projects faster and stronger. As a result, some of these structures still stand today. Choose three examples of Roman engineering (any combination of public works and/or private houses) and provide the following information:
Describe the item, including how it stands (arches, columns, vaults, free form, etc.).
What construction materials were used?
Where is the item – in modern Italy or outside of it?
What was its purpose?
Who primarily used it?
How is the public work/private house decorated? Do these decorations include words, or are they mostly pictorial?
Already answered:
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1200711457
To discuss the importance of Roman construction and examples of Roman engineering, three specific examples need to be chosen. Here are three famous examples of Roman engineering that showcase different construction techniques and purposes:
1. The Colosseum:
- The Colosseum is a massive amphitheater located in Rome, Italy.
- It stands on a rectangular plan with a complex system of arches and vaults. The exterior has three levels of arched entrances.
- The construction materials used were primarily travertine stone and concrete.
- The purpose of the Colosseum was to host public spectacles, including gladiator contests, mock naval battles, and animal hunts.
- It was primarily used by the Roman citizens and their rulers.
- The exteriors of the Colosseum were adorned with statues, reliefs, and decorative friezes. The decorations included both pictorial scenes and inscriptions.
2. The Pont du Gard:
- The Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct located in modern-day France, near the town of Nimes.
- It is a three-tiered bridge-like structure that spans the Gardon River. The lower level has arches while the upper two levels consist of a channel to carry water.
- The construction materials used were primarily stone blocks and iron clamps.
- The purpose of the Pont du Gard was to transport water from the Eure spring to the city of Nimes.
- It was primarily used to supply fresh water to the inhabitants of Nimes.
- The Pont du Gard is mostly undecorated, with its architectural elements serving as its main decorative features.
3. The Pantheon:
- The Pantheon is a former Roman temple located in Rome, Italy, now serving as a Christian church.
- It features a large dome with a circular opening (oculus) at the top and a portico consisting of eight granite columns.
- The construction materials used were primarily concrete, marble, and granite.
- The purpose of the Pantheon was to honor all the Roman gods.
- It was primarily used as a religious temple and later converted into a Christian church.
- The interior of the Pantheon is adorned with marble, decorative friezes, and statues, while the exterior is comparatively plain.
These examples illustrate the diverse architectural styles and construction techniques employed by the Romans. The use of arches, vaults, and concrete allowed them to create monumental structures that were both practical and aesthetically impressive. The decorations varied from simple architectural elements to elaborate sculptures and inscriptions, depending on the purpose and significance of the structure.