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2. The triumphal arch, with a single, double, or triple entrance.
3. The basilica was adopted by the Christian church but was conceived
by the Romans as a place for any large gathering.
4. The Romans invented lime mortar and they were the first to see the

full possibilities of using it to produce concrete.
5. Roman architects continued to follow the guidelines established by
the classical orders the Greeks had first shaped: Doric, Ionic, and Corin-

thian.

VI. It is interesting to know…

One of the most important additions that the Romans brought to archi-
tecture is the arch, which was originally borrowed from the Etruscans. Us-
ing concrete, bricks, and the concept of the arch, Rome was able to provide

many of its citizens with water. Aqueducts (water bridges) were built
throughout Rome, their arch structures bringing water to areas far away
from natural water supplies.

The arch quickly led to the dome ceilings used in many houses and
buildings. Because arched and domed structures can share weight evenly,
the concept was soon being used throughout the city and around the world.

The Romans used brick and marble to compose many of their build-
ings. The Roman amphitheater is a great example of a unique Roman
structure. These large buildings were used for gladiator fights, chariot
races, public executions, and other events. Approximately 230 amphithea-

ters existed throughout Rome, and some could hold as many as 60,000
spectators.
Built from stone, the amphitheaters were typically shaped like large

ovals. Some had more than one level of seating, and many looked some-
what similar to a modern day football stadium. The largest amphitheater in
the world, the Colosseum, is located in Rome.
The Roman Forum, on the other hand, was also made of stone, but

was shaped like a large rectangle. This structure served as a type of Town
Square, and was often used for elections, public speeches, and trials.
Roman temples provide another glimpse at their sophisticated archi-

tecture. Some of these buildings likely survived longer because of the reli-
gious and spiritual connections that citizens felt. While many important
Greek structures from the time may have looked similar from various an-

gles, Roman temples, among other structures, had a definite front, which
included much more detail than the rest of the building.

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