They spread throughout the Empire, with 36 in Rome alone b… Home to the largest unsupported concrete dome in the world, the pantheon’s circular portico and rotunda are remarkably well preserved, a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of its Roman engineers. The Arc de Triomphe and the Place Vendôme are just two examples of French architects borrowing Roman formulas. The most magnificent example is the 63,000 square-foot Basilica of Constantine and Maxentius, an awesome example of the cohesion and strength of Roman concrete. 1. Located in present-day southern France, it was built somewhere in the middle of the first century AD. Diocletian’s Palace. Image source: By Michael Meinecke, CC BY-SA 3.0 de. Just like the Pont du Gard, Roman engineers built the entire structure without any mortar. The earliest in Rome was the Aqua Appia (312 BCE), but the most impressive example is undoubtedly the Pont du Gard near Nimes (c. 14 CE). It was also a popular repository for important documents and at the height of its use, the Library of Celsus housed over 12,000 different scrolls. Rome, Italy. Each day the aqueduct carried 9 million gallons of water to the citizens of Nemausus, now the French city of Nimes, thanks to the downward pull of a 1 in 3,000 gradient. The Pantheon has a large circular portico that opens up to a rotunda. Later, somewhere around 1863, the arena was remodeled into a huge bullring. We only have to look at monuments like the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the spectacular aqueducts that have survived a couple of millennia to see how well built these structures were. The Pont du Gard was a pivotal structure in an aqueduct that stretched over 31 miles (50 kilometers) in length. Maison Carrée is the only temple constructed in the time of ancient Rome that is completely preserved to this day. Thanks to these innovations, from the first century C.E. With the advent of Roman concrete, arches, and other ingenious engineering ideas, the ancient Romans were able to take their architecture to new heights. Stretching 705-feet long, the 85-foot walls ensured the emperor could enjoy his retirement in peace and quiet while offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. However, they did not feel entirely restricted by Greek aesthetic concerns and treated the orders with considerable freedom. Surviving examples of these ancient health spas can be found in Italy at Caracalla and Pompeii, and as far Britain in the appropriately named city of Bath. These elegant yet imposing structures ensured everyone travelling on Roman thoroughfares knew its greatness. The surviving facade of the building retains its amazing decorations and relief carvings which only add to the grandeur of the structure. France is home … The fact that this astounding piece of engineering still stands to this day, surviving 2,000 years’ worth of corrosion and natural disasters, speaks volumes for its build quality. There are three styles of columns used in Roman architecture: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Roman architecture is the perfect example of innovation and experimentation in construction; it gave mankind buildings that had never been seen before, a network of connecting roads which was marvelously executed, and public structures that could be used by people from all strata of society just as equally, which added to their appeal. The real function of these city gates was to demonstrate architectural mastery, sculptural artistry and, of course, Rome’s great military victories. The construction of the Colosseum, the largest and most popular ancient Roman monument, began during the reign of Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD. With 165 arches, all of which are over 30 feet (9 meters) in height, this architectural phenomenon has been a symbol of Segovia for centuries. Ancient Roman architecture was important to the building of the Roman empire as it helped solidify the imagination of Rome’s inhabitants and the intimidation of Rome’s enemies with systematic and unifying structures such as the balance of the columns and the social scene of the Roman … Its most famous architect, Vitruvius, quite literally wrote the book on all facets of Roman techniques, skills, and materials. The eclectic architecture of the palace incorporated stylistic flourishes from nearly every era and province of Roman rule. Romans were able to create interior spaces that had previously been unheard of. Although only six of these columns survive today, their sheer scale is enough to show the majesty of the Baalbek temples. Although Agrippa began the work,  completion of the pantheon wasn’t achieved until 125 AD under the rule of the emperor Hadrian. With the imminent fall of the Roman Empire on the horizon, Maison Carrée was given a fresh lease of life when it was turned into a Christian church in the fourth century. Pantheon. Origins. 5. Image source: By Yair Haklai - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 More recently, many official buildings built in the US are very strongly influenced by Roman architecture. Italo-Roman building techniques. The amphitheatre is so large that a small fortified palace was once built within it during the middle ages. Diocletian was the first Roman emperor who voluntarily retired from his position, citing declining health issues. This marvel is also an optical illusion. Originally, it had a bronze gilded inscription as homage to Septimius and his two sons Caracalla and Geta for having restored and expanded the Roman Republic. Today you’ll fight throngs of tourists, not gladiatorial battles, at the Colosseum as well as special events and concerts. Buckingham Palace (Eastern Wing), London. After the fall of Rome, the Baalbek temples suffered from theft, war, and natural disaster, but they are still able to conjure up the aura of magnificence to this day, with thousands of people visiting the famous Baalbek temples every year. But the icing on the cake came when he immediately declared war on the Parthian Empire and brought the Parthians to their knees. The Latin inscription atop the pantheon reads Marcus Agrippa, the son of Lucius, three times consul, built this, leaving little doubt as to who is responsible for this architectural marvel. With the discovery of concrete, arches, and other engineering marvels during the ancient Roman era, Roman builders could now build majestic structures with interiors that were previously deemed impractical or impossible. Tomb of Caecilia Metella. By the time it was finished by his son Titus in 80 AD, a never-before-seen amphitheater with a seating capacity of over 50,000 was ready for use. This aqueduct was constructed without the use of any mortar; Roman engineers built this three-story masterpiece by fitting together massive blocks of precisely cut stones. Underfloor and interwall heating courtesy of terracotta pipes was hidden beneath frescoes, marble columns, and mosaics. Vespasian ordered the colosseum be built on the spot of the previous, and very controversial, emperor Nero’s palace, and the gesture won over the people who flocked to the 100-day opening ceremonies complete with chariot racing, 2,000 gladiators, and over 5,000 exotic animals in the arena ring.