Roman Empire Research Paper

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With a reign lasting over 1500 years, the Roman Empire is one of the longest lasting and most influential empires in world history. Through this reign they built durable and lavish infrastructure that increased their standard of living immensely. This infrastructure was so unique and advanced for their time that it introduced a new cosmopolitan structure that had never been seen before. It was hard for Roman citizens to complain when the entire general public had access to magnificent community centers, fresh running water, and major road systems. In fact, because of Rome’s cosmopolitan advancements and high standard of living, it allowed them to conquer and expand the empire as well as continue their long-lasting reign.
Eventually the empire …show more content…
The true arch was a significant invention by the Romans that still influences America today. “A true arch is composed of wedge-shaped blocks (typically of a durable stone), called voussoirs, with a key stone in the center holding them into place. In a true arch, weight is transferred from one voussoir down to the next, from the top of the arch to ground level, creating a sturdy building tool.” (Ambler) The true arch paired with concrete instituted the construction of more durable architecture like the dome. In modern society arches are constantly used, for example in bridges, citizens houses, and majority of U.S. government buildings. With this new true arch knowledge, “the dome seems like a logical progression as it is merely an arch spun 360 degrees to create a hemispherical three-dimensional form.” (Muench) The dome was mainly created for the purpose of increasing the size of interior space. Stone was the original material used to build, but that was soon replaced by using concrete. The dome was originally developed for Roman Bath buildings that needed the large open spaces. Roman Baths were created as a public place for all citizens to bath, relax, and socialize. An example of Rome’s high standard of living, every Bath featured different temperature pools, exercise rooms, hot/cold rooms, toilets, under-floor heating, and sometimes libraries. The Roman’s idea of the Bath was …show more content…
The aqueducts were constructed to transport fresh water to the cities, which substantially increased the standard of living. The fresh water provided was used as drinking water, but also channeled to public Baths and to farm fields that needed irrigation. The Roman’s also built the aqueducts strategically at a downhill slope so water could build momentum and move over elevated bridges. Along with the use of arches, the aqueducts’ fascinating durability was also due to “the discovery of pozzolana, volcanic ash that made a slow-drying concrete, allowed the creation of structures that were essentially welded together.” (Enduring Legacies, 115) Thus, why Rome still has many ancient aqueducts still standing to this day. One of the most recognized ones is The Pont du Gard in Southern France. It spanned thirty miles from water source to the town of Nîmes and is also used as a bridge over the Gardon River. “It delivered 100 gallons of water per person every day to the town for centuries, and its use as a bridge for carts and pedestrians continues to this day.” (Enduring Legacies, 115) In 21st century America, there are many aqueducts that cross extensive amounts of terrain and have all been profoundly influenced by Rome’s original innovative
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