Ancient Roman Architecture adopted some aspects that were developed in the Ancient Greek period. They also embedded some knowledge from their Etruscan neighbours that led to solutions such as hydraulics and the construction of arches and domes such as the Patheon. Roman architecture was flourishing and growing all through the great Roman Empire. Roman architects invented a lot of new techniques and new buildings that helped the architecture levels to rise.Most Important places in the Roman Architecture's history:5Pont du Gardflickr/zak mcThe Pont du Gard (literally bridge of the Gard ) is an aqueduct in the South of France constructed by the Roman Empire. It was originally part of a 50 km (31 miles) canal supplying fresh water to the Roman city of Nimes. The aqueduct was constructed entirely without the use of mortar. The aqueduct's stones - some of which weigh up to 6 tons - were precisely cut to fit perfectly together eliminating the need for mortar. From the Middle Ages to the 18th century, the aqueduct was used as a conventional bridge to facilitate foot traffic across the river.4Pompeiiflickr/Mikael MiettinenOn August 24, 79 AD, the volcano Vesuvius erupted, covering the nearby town Pompeii with ash and soil, and subsequently preserving the city in its state from that fateful day. Everything from jars and tables to paintings and people were frozen in time. Its excavation has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of people living two thousand years ago.3Pantheonflickr/cuellarOne of the best preserved Roman buildings, The Pantheon was built in 126 AD as a temple for all the Roman gods. The temple has served as a Roman Catholic Church since the 7th century. The Pantheon consists of a large circular portico with three ranks of huge granite Corinthian columns. The portico opens into a rotunda which is topped with a concrete dome with a central opening: the oculus. Almost two thousand years after it was built, the Pantheon's dome is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.2Baalbekflickr/upyernozBaalbek, also called Heliopolis, is a spectacular archaeological site in northeastern Lebanon. From the 1st century BC and over a period of two centuries, the Romans built three temples here: Jupiter, Bacchus and Venus. Created to be the largest temple in the Roman empire, the temple of Jupiter was lined by 54 massive granite columns each each of which were 21 meters (70 feet) tall. Only 6 of these titanic columns remain standing but even they are incredibly impressive. The best preserved temple at the site is the Temple of Bacchus built in 150 AD.1Colosseumflickr/BrunswickianThe Colosseum in Rome is the largest and most famous monument in the Roman world. The construction of the amphitheater was started by emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty in 72 AD and was finished by his son Titus in 80 AD. During the Colosseum's opening ceremonies, spectacles were held for 100 days in which 5,000 of animals and 2,000 gladiators were killed. The Colosseum was capable of holding some 50,000 spectators who could enter the building through no less than 80 entrances.
