The architecture of the Great Roman Empire

After Augustus’ death, all emperors strove to surpass their predecessor with even more sumptuous buildings and urban projects, like the Nero’s Domus Aurea, the Trajan’s Forum and Market, the Flavian Palace on the Palatine, the Villa Adriana in Tivoli, the Baths of Caracalla and Diocletian, the Arch of Septimius Severus and the Colosseum.

Bath of Caracala

roman architecture influences

Although exercising a decisive influence on the conquered territories, they also drew much influence from them, in particular from the Greek, with the use of the three orders and the columns. Roman architecture became a result of the contact with this classical culture, through the conquest of their territories in name of the Empire and the import of the many spoils of war collected during times of war.

Romans preferred an ornamental exaggeration to the Greek aesthetic balance and were mainly influenced by their exteriors, adapting them to their constructive systems and materials. There is also an Etruscan heritage in the proportions and engineering expertise.

Despite its clear influence, Roman architecture stands out for its technical ingenuity and creativity, where grandeur remained (showing the power of the Empire and thus intimidating the greed of other nations), the usefulness and the duration of the construction. Their concern for urban design is remarkable, as well as the application of mortar and a strong use of the arch. These characteristics distinguish them from the Greeks and contribute to bringing dynamism to the buildings, becoming a trademark for Roman architecture.

roman architecture objective

Beautiful and utilitarian, the buildings were embellished with decorative elements and noble stones in an excessive taste for luxury, a reflection of power. It was filled with a triumphant and historical character, marking the military and political exploits of the Roman people. Reliefs decorated architectural structures, especially the triumphal arches and commemorative columns. The goal was a clear desire to advertise, to document and celebrate, perpetuating the memory of their ancestors, honouring and glorifying them.

Roman art, eclectic and sumptuous, was a reflection of a splendid Empire with centuries of conquests, based on a Greek and Etruscan past, but at the same time, innovative, due to the inherent ability of the Romans for art and engineering. Thanks to their visionary skills, some buildings still remain as an influential example in contemporary architecture and many Roman buildings even remain still in use, resisting Time, which erased the names of their craftsmen.

For centuries, Generals, Emperors, Popes and Princes left in Rome their personal mark. They engaged renowned architects, painters and sculptors that gave to the Italian capital its lovely appearance, which still persists as an inexhaustible mine of artistic treasures that attract and fascinate millions of visitors to the Eternal City.