Roman Arch Definition
People often refer to the arch, in architecture, as the Roman arch because the ancient Romans used it widely in their building projects. The Romans also invented techniques for creating strong arches.
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Basic Definition
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The Roman arch has two parallel columns that start curving about halfway up until they meet in the middle, forming a rounded, enclosed top.
Roman Innovation
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The Romans were able to perfect the arch because they invented cement that could be used to stick large stones together.
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Arch Construction
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Roman arches are anchored on a keystone in the center, and then stones on the sides push out and down. The stones are called voussoirs or bricks.
Multiple Arches
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An Arcade A row of arches connected to each other is called an arcade.
Uses
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The Coliseum Romans used arches in most public buildings for entrances and supports. They used arcades for transporting water and usually stacked three arcades, one on top of each other, and exploited the force of gravity to pull water down from mountains into cities. This system is called an aqueduct.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Louise Docker Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Michael Bryan Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of David Merrett
