Roman Art and Architecture - The Arch

From ZuluNotes - Free Leaving Cert Notes

The arch was originally invented by the Greeks, but developed by the Romans. The key features include:

• It was built using mainly a curved lintel
• The were used heavily to span wide areas (see Roman Bridges, Roman Aqueducts)
• They were self supporting

The Romans developed the arch into three further designs;

1. The barrel vault
2. The cross/groing vault
3. The dome

There are many uses of the arch/vault/dome to be found:

• Triumphal Arches
• Aqueducts
• Bridges
• Bath Buildings
• Temples
• Basilicas