Architecture Through Arches

The use of Roman concrete was only half of the advantage when it came to building a structure. The use of the arch allowed Roman engineers to exploit more advanced building efforts by focusing expansion of force into the walls significantly improving strength of buildings along with providing an environment aesthetic form.

The Pantheon was the central religious temple for all the Gods. It was commissioned under Trajan and finished under Hadrian. More impressive than the religious aspect, is the construction. The Pantheon is still the largest non-reinforced concrete dome in the world. The dome also incorporates an oculus that brings the sun down into the structure imposing a constant spotlight.

The Greco-Egyptian princess Cleopatra VII's love affairs with both Julius Caesar and Marc Antony would forever involve Rome in the Kingdom of Egypt. Bearing a son named Caesarion (Little Caesar), she began an affair with Antony whom was married to Octavia, sister of Octavian. Civil war would break out that resulted in the deaths of Antony and Cleopatra VII, and the rise of Augustus. When Augustus was campaigning in Alexandria, he was awe-struck by the marble construction and city beauty which the brick city which Augustus turned into the marbled city it was known for by Alexandria.

Rome had been built in a defensable position originally with no real intention for civic planning. That meant Rome was not safe after dark due to poor city planning until the Republican and early Imperial eras. Later cities would be built upon a grid like modern civil engineering. Buildings would be built in regards to troop movements, local traffic, and follow a logical system connected with roads. This map shows the city planning grid for Timgad, Algeria.

With the word "palace" deriving from the Palatine Hill, it has remained the center most hill in Rome physically and metaphorically. The Palatine due to it's central location had always attracted the upper classes until the reign of Augustus. Under Augustus and forward, the Palatine Hill became the living area for Emperors. It would be soon swallowed up by Imperial living space, especially during the fires under the reign of Nero.