No. 27. Coliseum, Rome. Section and part elevation showing arch and vault construction.
Greek Influence
Apart from the early employment and development of the Arch, the Romans were content to borrow their architecture from outside sources, and also were indebted to the Greeks for their ideal expressions in poetry, art, even to religion, whose gods they invested with different names.
Notwithstanding, the Roman development in architecture was undoubtedly dignified and grand in manner, particularly in their treatment of the Corinthian order.
With regard to detail, much of the delicacy and refinement of the Greek character was lost, yet this was compensated by greater variety and freedom of treatment, especially in the development of the Acanthus type of foliage.
No. 28. Arch of Titus, Rome.