HIST-Written Assignment Unit 7
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Northern Virginia Community College *
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Arts Humanities
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Jan 9, 2024
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Written Assignment Unit 7
From the reading, discuss the development of both concrete and the arch. Include the importance of each in the life of Rome and the results of their use.
Introduction
A curved structure made of stone, brick, concrete, or, more recently, steel is known as an arch.
Its function is to support or strengthen a structure. Wedge-shaped blocks make up the majority of arches. The keystone, which is the top center stone, is the last block to be inserted. Arches are frequently supported by a wooden frame during construction. When the frame is removed, the arch is supported by both sides pressing against the keystone.
Identification of a Problem
The arch was not invented by the Romans. Arches have been used since the beginning of time. It was used by the ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and Greeks. However, in these cultures, the arch's function was limited to supporting small structures such as storerooms, and the roof was frequently supported by columns. The size and scope of a building were limited by this design. As a result, architects were unable to construct massive palaces or government structures. The Problem's Solutions The ancient Romans designed an arch that could support massive loads.
What were the Romans' methods for accomplishing this? The answer can be found in a substance known as concrete. The Romans created a very strong and durable type of concrete by mixing lime and volcanic sand together. Arches made of this material could withstand a great deal of weight. As a result, the Romans were able to construct massive structures like aqueducts to supply water to cities. The Roman arch freed architects to experiment with new and larger structures Cultural Borrowing Effects. The Roman arch was quickly adopted by a number of cultures. It was used frequently by both Byzantine and Romanesque architects in Eastern and Western Europe. The Roman arch was adapted and developed further by other cultures.
Muslim architects, for example, developed pointed, scalloped, and horseshoe arches for mosques and palaces in the Arab world. The borrowing and modification of the Roman arch ensured that ancient Rome's architecture would endure.
The problem of arches not being able to support large amounts of weight was solved by the Roman arch. The Roman arch also prompted the Romans to make additional architectural advancements. They created vaults by combining arches to create ceilings or roofs. The Romans also used arch principles to create a dome, which is a hemispheric ceiling or roof.
The Roman Pantheon is an early example of a dome. What impact did the Roman arch, vault, and dome have in the long run? Consider the majesty of the Taj Mahal in India, the grandeur of Gothic cathedrals
like Chartres in France, and the stateliness of the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Without the arch, vault, and dome, none of these structures would have been possible. Many of the buildings you pass by on a daily basis may contain some of these architectural features.
Conclusion
By being able to support a large amount of weight, the Roman arch solved a significant problem.
As a result, people were able to construct larger and more varied structures. The Roman arch and its cousins, the vault and dome, have left an indelible mark on architecture around the world.
References
Kamm, A. (n.d.). The Romans: An Introduction. 6.4 Domestic Architecture. Retrieved March 12, 2017 from https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.the-romans.co.uk/domestic_architecture.htm__;!!
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Ressler, S, & Teaching Company. (2011). Understanding the World's Greatest Structures: Science
and Innovation from Antiquity to Modernity.
Strickland, C., & Handy, A. (2001). The Annotated Arch: A crash Course in the History of Architecture. Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel Pub.
Wilkins, D. G., Schultz, B., & Linduff, K. M. (1997). Art past, art present. New York: Harry N. Abrams.
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