Ancient Middle East
Arch at AshkeletonAshkeleton is a city in modern day Israel. The gateway arches are the first documented arches, ca.1850 B.C.E. Before this date, arches were used in underground structures. Notice the arch is narrower than the typical arch (like the Assyrian or Roman Arch). This was to make sure that weight from above was directed into the ground and walls, not to overburden the arch.
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BabylonOnce the largest city in the world, the remains of Babylon offers some great architecture and archaeological finds. One of the following is the arch above. Obviously a huge arch is, it is hard to say what type of building it was part of; whatever it was it was a huge and monumental building in its prime.
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Assyrian GatewayThis image was taken in Khorsabad. This city gateway was guarded by two composite animals: part man, lion and ox. This gateway was a sign of strength which the Assyrians exuded.
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The Roman Empire
The Romans popularized the arch and elevated it to a new level. Instead of just a structure used in underground structures and gateways, the Romans used them in their monuments. Above is the Arch of Titus; it documents Titus' successful conquest of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. The arch is purely commemorative and is very intricately decorated, depicted scenes from the siege. Located on the Via Sacra, it was always in the public's eyes, an attestation to the might of Rome.
Khan Academy. (n.d.). Retrieved July 31, 2016, from https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/roman/early-empire/a/the-arch-of-titus |
Romans also used arches with practicality in mind. Multi-tiered arches were used to form aqueducts and bridges, above is Pont du Gard in Southern France. Aqueducts were particularly useful because they allowed water to be transported across long distances. This allowed for new cities and settles to be built far away from natural water reservoirs; Pont Du Gard is about 50 kilometers long. The Romans were able to build arches to span long distances and carry water and people to areas unsettled before. The revolution of the Roman arch marked a new age for arches.
Roman Architecture. (n.d.). Retrieved July 31, 2016, from http://www.ancient.eu/Roman_Architecture/ |