Architecture and engineering Roman Empire

amphitheatres of roman empire



construction on flavian amphitheatre, more commonly known colosseum, began during reign of vespasian

the chief roman contributions architecture arch, vault , dome. after more 2,000 years roman structures still stand, due in part sophisticated methods of making cements , concrete. roman roads considered advanced roads built until 19th century. system of roadways facilitated military policing, communications, , trade. roads resistant floods , other environmental hazards. after collapse of central government, roads remained usable more thousand years.

roman bridges among first large , lasting bridges, built stone arch basic structure. utilized concrete well. largest roman bridge trajan s bridge on lower danube, constructed apollodorus of damascus, remained on millennium longest bridge have been built both in terms of overall span , length.

the romans built many dams , reservoirs water collection, such subiaco dams, 2 of fed anio novus, 1 of largest aqueducts of rome. built 72 dams on iberian peninsula, , many more known across empire, still in use. several earthen dams known roman britain, including well-preserved example longovicium (lanchester).

the pont du gard aqueduct, crosses gardon river in southern france, on unesco s list of world heritage sites

the romans constructed numerous aqueducts. surviving treatise frontinus, served curator aquarum (water commissioner) under nerva, reflects administrative importance placed on ensuring water supply. masonry channels carried water distant springs , reservoirs along precise gradient, using gravity alone. after water passed through aqueduct, collected in tanks , fed through pipes public fountains, baths, toilets, or industrial sites. main aqueducts in city of rome aqua claudia , aqua marcia. complex system built supply constantinople had distant supply drawn on 120 km away along sinuous route of more 336 km. roman aqueducts built remarkably fine tolerance, , technological standard not equalled until modern times. romans made use of aqueducts in extensive mining operations across empire, @ sites such las medulas , dolaucothi in south wales.

insulated glazing (or double glazing ) used in construction of public baths. elite housing in cooler climates might have hypocausts, form of central heating. romans first culture assemble essential components of later steam engine, when hero built aeolipile. crank , connecting rod system, elements constructing steam engine (invented in 1712)—hero s aeolipile (generating steam power), cylinder , piston (in metal force pumps), non-return valves (in water pumps), gearing (in water mills , clocks)—were known in roman times.