The Romans were deeply influenced by all aspects of Hellenistic culture. In architecture they essentially adopted the classical language and adapted it to new situations and uses. In contrast to ancient Greek prototypes, which were usually sited so as to be seen from afar, most monumental Roman architecture is in more enclosed or urban areas. Not only did the Romans adapt the existing classical language, but they also made use of novel forms, and developed new construction techniques and ways of employing materials. The arch and other innovative construction methods enabled two further important developments: the vault and the dome. (Hopkins, 2014) Photo from Rome, Italy, 2025.

Defining characteristics include: arch, walls, colonnades, orders, vaults and domes, monumentality, new building types, forum, hippodrome, villa, townhouse, amphitheater,

Leading Examples

Pont du Gard, near Nimes, France, ca. first century CE

Maison Carrée, Nimes, ca. 16 BCE

Temple of Saturn, Rome, third or fourth century CE

Pantheon, Rome, ca. 117-38 CE

Arch of Constantine, Rome, ca. 315 CE

Colosseum, Rome, ca. 75-82 CE

Herculaneum and Pompeii

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