- The Roman Arch was a semi-circular arch which became the basis for the expansion of the Roman Empire and of later Western Architecture.
- Although the arch was used by Ancient Greece, Persia and Mesopotamia, it wasn’t used in Buildings. The Romans adopted this arch from the Etruscans.
Description
- The Romans used a semi-circular arch known as a Rounded Arch.
- An Arch directs pressure outwards and downwards known as compressive stress, which allows it to support great loads. When reinforced by walls or abutments the arch can support even greater loads.
Keystone
- The even distribution of force is done by the Keystone at the top which although bearing no weight, locks all the other stones into position.
Arcades of Arches
- By using an arcade of arches the Romans were able to construct Aqueducts for their cities, Bridges for their roads and multiple floors in their Buildings, such as in a Basilica.
Triumphal Arches of Ancient Rome
- There were 36 Triumphal Arches in Ancient Rome, although only three have survived.
Arch of Constantine