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The Romans were master builders. They invented the dome and greatly expanded the use of the arch. They also invented concrete, a mixture of broken stones, lime, sand, volcanic ash, and water.
Roman emperors built vast temples, huge stadiums, and other amazing public buildings. It was a way to remind the Roman people of their wealth and power. Rome’s first emperor was Augustus. He boasted, “I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble.” The work of Rome’s builders still stands today in parts of its once great empire. It’s a lasting tribute to their building genius.
Tour the Pantheon
ARCH
DOME
▲ Although other peoples had used the arch before the Romans, daring Roman builders raised the roof with it. With the arch, they could build higher and more rounded ceilings. Heavy columns were no longer needed as roof supports. Bridges could span greater distances. A dome, which is arches crossed over each other, creates a rounded ceiling.
▲ Roman emperors liked to mark their conquests with giant arches. This arch was built in Rome after the Emperor Titus died. It memorializes his capture of Jerusalem.
▲ The Romans built the highways of the ancient world. They made their roads with a center hump to allow water to drain into ditches. These roads helped the empire grow.
Water from distant streams reached Roman towns through aqueducts. It flowed into complex systems of underground pumps and pipes. Then it was directed to public fountains, baths, and toilets. ▶
