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Sunday, February 24, 2019

The Influence of Roman Engineering and Architecture

The brightness and beauty of popish foulitecture has non been lost on us in the 2000 years since it was make. Even today, we soundless marvel at what unconvincing builders the Romans were, and at the sheer scale and integrity of many of their projects. It is vexed to bes top of the inning that todays computer architecture will find the same steadfast lustre as that which the Romans built. If we can still respect and admire the enormousness of capital of Italy as it was in its day, one can completely imagine how much of an influence people of the time felt, due to the astounding innovations that the Romans brought to the bare-ass regions of their empire.In fact, it is because of the superior engineer skills and architectural topics possessed by the Romans, and respect by others, that all(prenominal) in allowed them to conquer, influence and rule much(prenominal)(prenominal) a vast reach of the world, for such an extended period of time. Citizens of regions conq uered by capital of Italy were the beneficiaries of Roman innovations such as a ( humankind) fresh water supply, bridges oer antecedently impass fitting rivers, roads linking all parts of the empire (especially to the capital) and incredible creation buildings like the forums and baths.They were to a greater extent easily persuaded into acceptance once the Romans arrived when they saw or heard of these innovations which they realized could have such a huge and unspoilt impact on their lifestyles. The first thing the Romans did upon entering a new region, after winning the war that gained them their new dominion, was construct roads and bridges. This was the scoop up way to Romanize the new areas, as it permitted easier communication between the habituation and the mother country.The roads all led to the capital, which solidified its position as the digest of strength, and to a fault allowed the rulers easier and faster access to the colonies when necessary. It has been said t hat at the peak of Romes power, one could actuate from the English Channel all the way to Rome without ever fording a stream, simply because the Romans had built so many bridges to link its colonies. As the Romans were the first to professional bridge building on such a large scale, they had a huge influence on the people in stock-still the almost remote regions. Places that had been impassible could suddenly be crossed by bridge.The bridges were a commanding presence on the landscape as well, easily transportation the sense of who was in power and influencing the people of the region. The Puente Alcantara in Spain can possibly best show the expansive influence that the Romans held through their bridges, (Images 1 and 2). reinforced in AD100 and still standing today, Puente Alcantara reaches 164 feet at its highest point, is 600 feet recollective and has spans of 92 to 98 feet wide. Such an example of architecture so far from the centre of power is a lasting monument to the in fluential power once held by the Romans.People were drawn into conformity when they saw the superior skills of the Romans, who also perfected packet driving for the manifestation of bridges and built each bridge arch as self-supporting to avoid damage to the entire structure if provided one portion was damaged. The Roman use of the arch itself, which had never been employ to such a great extent before, is itself the main reason they were able to build the huge and influential structures that they were. The use of the arch was of course not limited to bridges it was common in all Roman architecture of the time.The next major use for it in the new colonies, however, was in the construction of a water supply systemthe system of Roman aqueducts. Rome already had an extensive system of aqueducts to supply the city with fresh water, and the Romans employ the same system in other regions to civilize the barbarian tribes they had bonnie subdued. Such a system was unheard of in other c ivilizations. The Romans were a truly sanitary and hygienic people to whom fresh water was very important. The new colonies had never been concerned about such sanitation.The Romans, however, were able to fetch fresh water to the towns from long distances away by carrying it through tunnels and over valleys with their towering aqueducts. This water was then utilise for the normal baths and toilets, besides the judge drinking water. The fact that this water was for the public, and not reserved for private use, sunny people in the new colonies even more, and made them even more accepting of Roman control. The actual aqueducts themselves, built by the Romans to carry the water, were perchance even more influential.Aqueducts like Pont du Gard at Nimes (Images 3 and 4), or Segovia in Spain (Image 5), the latter of which still carries water today, were monumental landmarks in the colonies w here they were built and still are today. That the Romans would build such magnificent and monumental structures for the sole aspire of supplying water to its colonies was in all probability overwhelming to those benefiting from it. So the Romans supplied the towns with water, and made travel between towns easier. But what about improving life within the town itself?It is in the public buildings such as the bath, the forum and the amphitheater, which people employ and experienced daily, where Rome was able to exert its greatest influence. The fact that these buildings were devote to all and not reserved for an elitist group of society only increase their significance. It is arguable that the grandness of the baths has yet to be surpassed in any public building since. These were huge, lavishly ornamented structures where citizens would go not only to bathe, but also for sports, club-life and exhibitions of art.The baths acted as a community centre, uniting citizens in the towns in which they were located. there was also the Roman invention of the forum, todays equival ent of which would be city hall, the law courts, a marketplace and a church all combined in a single structure. It was a novel idea that one could go to a single building at the centre of town and find everything they needed. People were also allowed open discussion here and were able to publicly voice their opinions and socialize with fellow citizens.However, the forums accessibility and openness should not hide the fact that it was used by the Romans as a control centre, where legislative duties for the town were carried out, giving Rome further influence over the citizens. The amphitheaters cannot be forgotten, as they were used by the Romans to please and placate people through the presentation of spectacles. Their architectural grandeur was also influential, however, as they were usually four stories tall, could be covered by a canopy, and were the size of two theatres put together.The Romans didnt build the public buildings besides for their own good, they were used to show w hos boss and appreciation people appeased. These buildings were superior to anything else that had been or was being built, which helped Rome keep the territory it had conquered. It is still difficult to comprehend that the Romans were able to create an empire as vast and as powerful as they did. Lasting several centuries and screening Europe, Asia Minor and Northern Africa and even overtaking their historical enemies the Greeks, their empire was of a magnitude that has been unsurpassed but often dreamed. When we look back at how they chieved such widespread influence there is no doubt that the mavin factor in their achievements was due to their superior skills in architecture and engineering of the day. They brought fresh clean water to the towns and cities they conquered using the aqueducts which are still inspire and influential monuments today. We can only imagine the significance they held 2000 years ago. As Frontius said of the aqueducts, they are a signal testimony to the greatness of the Roman Empire. The water brought by the aqueducts was then distributed to the public and used in even more magnificent structures like the baths.How could people not be influenced by such great inventions as these and the forum and the amphitheater, which were used by the Romans not only to please the people but also to help maintain power? The Romans built bridges and roads to link their new colonies and built them so they were a lasting and powerful presence. These bridges were not just a show of power in their grandeur, but were also used by the Romans as quick access to the colonies they needed to keep below control. People of the world were not nearly as advanced in terms of the engineering ability of the Romans, and were persuaded to accept Roman rule.They respected and prise the Romans superior abilities and innovations and were therefore easier to conquer and less likely to revolt, allowing the Romans to expand their empire and maintain their influence for such a long time. The Romans no doubt improved their quality of life upon conquering them, and it is hard not to accept a new ruling class if such improvements are occurring. The greatness of the Roman Empire as it was is a admit result of the fact that they were such superior engineers and architects.

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