roman architecture - arches

RomanArchitecture

Adapted from a PPT found at: https://www.google.co.kr/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CCUQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rcs.k12.va.us%2Fpfes%2Fthird%2520grade%2Fsocial%2520studies%2FRome%2Farches.ppt&ei=LRQ2Vdx5qIybBanTgeAG&usg=AFQjCNE4psqunRuq-1qqbErcd2DxQMgUhg&sig2=WkpAX80Vbkta7B9q_gS0Aw&bvm=bv.91071109,d.dGY&cad=rjt

Arches• An arch is an

architectural design used by Romans to add strength and support to the things they built.

• Examples of some of the things they built are victory arches, buildings and aqueducts.

Aqueducts

What are Aqueducts?

• Aqueducts were stone channels made to carry water.

• As cities, like Rome, expanded more people moved in. Since there wasn’t enough water in the city to support the growing population, aqueducts were built to carry water to the cities from clean water sources in the country.

Why arches?

• Water is very heavy, so the Romans needed a structure strong enough to hold all the water as it moved from the mountains into the city.

Where did the water go?

• The water was transported in concrete tunnels.

• The tunnels were underground if possible.

• Sometimes the tunnel had to go above ground.

How did the aqueduct work?

• The water flowed through a tube on the top of the aqueduct called a water channel.

• The arches supported the water channel.

What did the water channel look like?

• The water flowed through a rectangular channel lined with concrete.

• You may recall that concrete was another Roman innovation that provided strength to their structures.

Where else did the Romans use arches?

•Arches of Triumph•Buildings

•Roofs

Arches of Triumph-to celebrate military

success

The Colosseum

The Colosseum

• The Colosseum is a large amphitheater that was built around 70 A.D for sports and entertainment.

• This is where gladiators fought other men, animals, and even criminals to the death.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is a temple to the Roman gods.

How does an arch work?Keystones are the key!

• The keystone is identified with the red stone at the top of the arch.

• The keystone locks the stones in place allowing various forces to provide stability.

How does an arch work?Voussoirs

• The voussoirs are wedge shape stones on either side of the keystone that help make the semi-circular shape of the arch.

• The force of the voussoirs create a weight in the columns that go to the ground.

How does an arch work?Buttressing

• The square or rectangular blocks between each arch are buttresses.

• The buttresses make a column that pushes the weight to the ground.