With the increase of wealth and population, the ancient Romans had to find architectural solutions to deal with these increases. The Ancient Romans took influences from the Greeks in their architectural works.
- Architects began to use vaults and arches more in their works.
- Concrete, marble and bricks were mainly used to construct the arches.
- Notable places with these features include the aqueducts of Rome, the Baths of Caracalla, and the Colosseum.
The Colosseum and Amphitheatres
- used to entertain the masses
- pronounced power and exemplified dominance through sacrifices of men through battles with crocodiles, leopards, elephants, lions and tigers.
Temples and Basilicas, the bridges and aqueducts within played important roles in the empire unification. Roads and bridges eased communication around the large empire. The temples and Basilicas were located in the center of the city.
- Basilicas
o served administrative functions
o had a projection which served the magistrate in dispensing law
o idea of Roman authority
- Temples
o important to emperors
o Religion and politics allied the Roman world.
- Aqueducts
o served to provide people with more fresh water.
o built as cities grew within the empire.
Over the course of the period, the Ancient Romans believed that public buildings should be made to impress and used as a public function. A prime example of one of these type buildings is the Pantheon.
- Pantheon
o Emperor Hadrian, reigned from 117-138 AD
o been deemed an architectural revolution
o vaulted architecture, concrete, as well as traditional building materials.
o embodied Greek idea of cosmos
Insulae, or multi-story apartment blocks, during the time period accommodated many people. They often were several floors in height. Each of these apartments had their own terrace and private entrance.