'The Influence of Roman Engineering and Architecture\r'

'The cleverness and beauty of roman type com throw awayer architecture has non been lost on us in the 2000 years since it was build. Even today, we becalm react at what incredible builders the papisticals were, and at the transp bent scale and integrity of m all of their projects. It is breathed to argue that today’s architecture will hold the said(prenominal) steadfast grandeur as that which the Romans built. If we usher out tranquilize respect and admire the grandeur of capital of Italy as it was in it’s day, sensationness house only imagine how a lot of an regularise concourse of the time felt, c completely subject to the incredible innovations that the Romans brought to the new regions of their empire.In fact, it is beca handling of the sterling(prenominal) engineering science skills and architectural whims possessed by the Romans, and see by new(prenominal)s, that tout ensembleowed them to conquer, influence and rule much(prenominal) a vast area of the world, for such(prenominal)(prenominal) an extended period of time. Citizens of regions conquered by capital of Italy were the beneficiaries of Roman innovations such as a ( populace) sweet-flavored irrigate append, tie tout ensemble over previously impassable rivers, roads linking each parts of the empire (especially to the capital) and incredible macrocosm builds like the forums and baths.They were more than than easily persuaded into word sense at once the Romans arrived when they maxim or hear of these innovations which they realized could have such a huge and beneficial impact on their lifestyles. The first thing the Romans did upon entering a new region, after winning the state of war that gained them their new territory, was construct roads and bridges. This was the trump way to â€Å"Romanize” the new areas, as it permitted easier communication between the colony and the find country.The roads all led to the capital, which coagula ted its position as the centre of power, and excessively allowed the rulers easier and faster access to the colonies when necessary. It has been said that at the peak of capital of Italy’s power, one could travel from the English Channel all the way to Rome without ever cut across a stream, simply because the Romans had built so many bridges to link its colonies. As the Romans were the first to master bridge building on such a heavy(a) scale, they had a huge influence on the people in horizontal the most(prenominal) remote regions. Places that had been impassible could suddenly be cut through by bridge.The bridges were a irresponsible presence on the landscape as well, easily conveying the sense of who was in power and influencing the people of the region. The Puente Alcantara in Spain can perhaps best pose the wonderful influence that the Romans held through their bridges, (Images 1 and 2). make in AD100 and still standing today, Puente Alcantara reaches 164 feet a t its highest point, is 600 feet long and has spans of 92 to 98 feet wide. such an example of architecture so farther from the centre of power is a unchangeable monument to the influential power once held by the Romans.People were drawn into conformity when they saw the sterling(prenominal) skills of the Romans, who similarly perfected sess driving for the construction of bridges and built each bridge arch as self-supporting to avoid damage to the immaculate structure if only one component part was damaged. The Roman use of the arch itself, which had neer been utilise to such a long 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 bound 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 pee yield systemâ€the system of Roman aqueducts. Rome already had an extensive system of aqueducts to supply the city with unclouded piddle, and the Romans used the same system in other regions to direct the â€Å"barbarian” tribes they had honorable subdued. Such a system was unheard of in other civilizations. The Romans were a real sanitary and sound people to whom fresh water was very important. The new colonies had never been concerned somewhat such sanitation.The Romans, however, were able to bring 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 used for the public baths and toilets, too the expected drinking water. The fact that this water was for the public, and not reserved for private use, mirthful people in the new colonies even more, and made them even more pass judgment of Roman control. The actual aqueducts themselves, built by the Romans to carry the water, were perhaps 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 where they were built and still are today. That the Romans would build such excellent and monumental structures for the sole purpose of supplying water to its colonies was likely overwhelming to those benefiting from it. So the Romans supplied the towns with water, and made travel between towns easier. yet what about improving life at heart the town itself?It is in the public buildings such as the bath, the forum and the amphitheater, which people used and experienced daily, where Rome was able to practise its keenest influence. The fact that these buildings were impart to all and not reserved for an elitist group of association only increased their significance. It is arguable that the blaze 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 in like manner 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, today’s equivalent of which would be city hall, the uprightness courts, a marketplace and a church building 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 publically voice their opinions and socialize with fellow citizens.However, the forum’s 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 neverthe slight influence over the citizens. The amphitheaters cannot be forgotten, as they were used by the Romans to please and tranquillise people through the presentation of spectacles. Their architectural grandeur was also influential, however, as they were ordinarily four stories tall, could be covered by a canopy, and were the size of two theatres put together.The Romans didn’t build the public buildings just for their own good, they were used to show â€Å"who’s boss” and hold in 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 overlay that the Romans were able to create an empire as vast and as powerful as they did. Lasting several centuries and covering Europe, Asia claw and Northern Africa and even overtaking their historic enemies the Greeks, their empire was of a magnitude that has been unexcelled but often dreamed. When we look stake at how they chieved such widespread influence there is no doubt that the capitulum factor in their achievements was due to their superior skills in archite cture and engineering of the day. They brought fresh clean water to the towns and cities they conquered using the aqueducts which are still inspiring and influential monuments today. We can only imagine the significance they held 2000 years ago. As Frontius said of the aqueducts, they are â€Å"…a signal testimony to the illustriousness 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 represent 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 sprightly access to the colonies they needed to keep infra control. People of the world were not nearly as advanced in wrong of the engineering ability of the Romans, and were persuaded to accept Roman rule.They respected and admired the Roman’s 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 calibre 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 direct result of the fact that they were such superior engineers and architects.\r\n'