The Romans didn’t invent the arch, but their development of (Roman) concrete is perhaps their greatest contribution. First I’ll address the concrete and then how the Roman put it to use, including the building of the arches. Before the invention of (Roman) concrete, homes were built with wood or mud and stone. This new concert was a mixture of lime and volcanic ash and turns out to be one of the most durable man-made substances ever created, lasting thousands of years. And it turns out that the process used in the making the concrete would be considered green by today’s standards. Modern, or Portland, concrete manufacturing “accounts for seven percent of the carbon dioxide that industry puts into the air” (Warner, 2013). Researchers have studied the Roman …show more content…
Tall arches were erected in commemoration of their victories. These arches would be artistic and are referred to as a Triumphal Arch. Arches were also used in the construction of buildings. The strength of the Roman cement allowed for multiple floors. The floors didn’t require the same subdivision on each level. The support system enabled the builder to create smaller rooms on different floors. The principles used in making the arches were combined to also create domes over their structures. The Roman Pantheon is an example of such a dome. But after their triumphal arches and buildings, the greatest use of arches was seen in the creation of the Roman aqueduct. The aqueduct is considered “among the greatest achievements in the ancient world” (UNRV, 2003). It covered more than 260 miles with at least 30 utilizing the high, above-ground arches. The aqueduct moved water through the area by means of gravity. Water moved from the source through the aqueduct to enormous cisterns in the city. From there it was piped into private homes, public baths, and fountains. Paid labors and slaves both helped in the building of the