Roman Building Techniques

Building and architecture flourished throughout the Roman Empire. The Romans discovered new techniques to solve problems but also to impress the world. They built aqueducts to bring water into their cities and towns, grand baths for cleansing and socialising, and elaborate villas for the cream of their society. In this book, scientist and archaeologist Tony Rook takes the reader through Roman building techniques. He explores the structures that were found throughout the Roman Empire, including roads, bridges and aqueducts, as well as the Romans’ answer to under-floor heating – the hypocaust – and vaults, domes, tiles and pipes. Lavishly illustrated with stunning photographs and the author’s own detailed line drawings, Roman Building Techniques looks at Roman innovations, practices and materials in a thorough yet readable way.

Building and architecture flourished throughout the Roman Empire. The Romans discovered new techniques to solve problems but also to impress the world. They built aqueducts to bring water into their cities and towns, grand baths for cleansing and socialising, and elaborate villas for the cream of their society. In this book, scientist and archaeologist Tony Rook takes the reader through Roman building techniques. He explores the structures that were found throughout the Roman Empire, including roads, bridges and aqueducts, as well as the Romans’ answer to under-floor heating – the hypocaust – and vaults, domes, tiles and pipes. Lavishly illustrated with stunning photographs and the author’s own detailed line drawings, Roman Building Techniques looks at Roman innovations, practices and materials in a thorough yet readable way.