Romans aspired to create conservative buildings. Architects continued to use columns even when they were not needed to preserve a building’s structural integrity.
Arches were used to create taller and wider structures. Roman architects also used interior arches to support the weight of heavy structures. The Colosseum had dozens of arches, making it a symbol of pride for Romans.
Many Roman buildings were made with marble or limestone. Marble was one of the finest materials available at the time. In some cases, marble dust was mixed with gypsum, sand and other materials. Limestone was used as a substitute for marble because it was strong and could be carved easily.
They mastered a number of important architectural techniques, including the arch, the dome and the vault, as well as the use of concrete. Using these methods, Roman engineers designed and built some of the greatest public buildings such as temples, basilicas, amphitheatres, triumphal arches, monuments, and public baths. In addition, to further reinforce the ideals of the Pax Romana and, above all, maintain efficiency and order, Roman architects designed numerous aqueducts, drainage systems, and bridges, as well as a vast network of roads, while planners developed a series of urban blueprints, based on army camps, to help create new towns from scratch.