Classical Civilization: Rome

Ancient Rome carried on several traits from Greece during this era. They used post and lintel construction along with decorative and structural columns. However, the Romans created concrete in which they were able to create larger and extravagent structures. For example the Colosseum, which was the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire.  It was built of concrete and stone and is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. I had the opportunity to visit the Colosseum for myself this summer. Pictures do no justice after seeing this structure in person. I definitely recommend taking a trip to Italy to see the ancient architecture for your own eyes.

Another example is the Pantheon, commissioned by Marcus Agrippa and rebuilt by the emperor Hadrian. It is the world's largest unreinforced concrete domes of the world reaching 142 feet in diameter and 142 feet high. The Pantheon was also a structure I visited in Rome. It appears way larger in person then it does in the pictures. I wasn't able to go inside because of a mass that was going on, but from the quick glance I got the details to this building blew my mind. 

                               

The dome structure is now used for many different uses today. Below is a picture of a greenhouse in a bubble building. It is called Dome of Visions located in Copenhagen Harbor. 

A Domus is a private townhouse of the wealthy. Today a domus reminds me of this picture below. It is a very wealthy looking townhouse.

A Insula is a block of buildings surrounded by streets. Today, a insula reminds me of large shopping buildings that are outside next to streets with apartments on top. 

Discussion:

Yo's blog caught my interest because she visited Rome this summer as well. We both got see the beauty of the Pantheon and how large it actually is. I also enjoyed reading her section on arches and how they applied the Greek elements to create a dome from arches. Margaret's post on Rome was another one I found interesting. I really enjoyed her fact on Rome about concrete. I had no idea that people stopped using concrete for centuries until the 1800's. Also, I thought she went into great detail and found accurate pictures on the Insula, Domus, and Country Villas.