Still Standing
The Romans built arenas, theathers, bridges, aqueducts, and roads more than two thousand years ago. Some of these constructions are still in use today. Why did they last so long? What was the secret of Roman architecture? Here is the answer: One of the Romans' greatest inventions was the rounded arch, called the Roman arch, and another was cement, a mixture of lime, clay, and water.
One of the early uses of the Roman arch was for the construction of aqueducts, which carried water to cities. Usually, an aqueduct had several levels of arches. The Romans ofen placed the larger and wider arches in teh bottom row for support, and the smaller and narrower arches were on the top level. Also, on the top, they placed a lead U-shaped pipe along which the water flowed, thanks to the pull of gravity.
One of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts is at Pont du Gard in France. It was built in 19 B.C.E.
The Coliseum remains one of the most impressive monuments to the building genius of the ancient Romans. This huge arena was built around 72 A.D. and had three levels of arches on its exterior. The total height of the construction was approximately 147 feet (48 meters), and the arena was 259 feet (79 meters) long and 157 feet (45 meters) wide. Teh theater could hold about 50,000 people. A cloth awning could be speard over the top of the building to protect spectators from the sun. Also, the Coliseum could be "air-conditioned" by the use of perfumed spray of water.
The Romans left more monuments spread across Europe, the Middle East, land North Africa than any other culture. Can you imagine a modern construction lasting longer than 2,000 years?
1. What wo inventions did the Romans bring to architecture?
2. Where is the best-preserved Roman aqueduct?
3. How tall was the Coliseum? How big was the arena?
4. What facilities did the Coliseum have for spectators?
5. Where can you find ancient Roman monuments?