PR-2237IRE Ancient Rome

TEACHERS
N OTE
Concrete walls
Coffer Dam
Roman Technology
These were built in the northern regions of the Empire where rivers did not dry up. In hot regions,
bridge piers could be built on dry riverbeds in summer. The piers were well-spaced so the water
didn’t rush through narrow gaps and erode them. Some piers were roughly triangular in shape with
the apex facing upstream so water would flow round them easily.
Using a reddish volcanic earth called pozzolana, which was mixed with limestone and water, the Romans could
make a strong cement. This was then mixed with sand and crushed stones to make concrete. In Emperor
Hadrian’s reign, some walls were made of concrete mixed with travertine, a local stone quarried near Rome.
After the great fire in Rome during Emperor Nero’s reign, it was found that brick-faced concrete was more fireresistant
and this discovery led to more brickyards being built.
The kiln
Clay was used to make bricks, tiles, pipes and other kiln-fired objects like
figurines, lamps and candlesticks. Pottery was made by hand or on a potter’s
wheel and dried before firing. An updraft kiln had a hole in the roof where
sometimes layers of turf closed in the domed roof. More sophisticated kilns
were used for ‘terra sigillata’ (clay decorated with figures). Amphorae for
holding wine or oil were often made leakproof by coating the inside with a
distilled resin made from pine trees. Before firing, many bricks or tiles were
stamped with the name of the army unit that made them. Large amounts of
limestone and chalk were burned in kilns to provide lime for making mortar.
The arch
The arch was conceived by the Egyptians and Greeks. When the keystone was dropped into place it locked the
arch together and the downward pressure was spread around the arch and onto the two supporting piers. The
wooden semicircular frame had to be strong enough to support the arch until the mortar set. The Romans
employed the arch concept to construct vaulted roofs and domes.
Viewing Sample
Suggested Activity
The Romans pressed clay into moulds. Pupils could press small pieces of clay into a shallow dish, making
sure the pieces overlap and an even thickness is maintained so they won’t crack when fired. After pressing, the
top can be evened off by cutting the surplus away with fishing line. Allow to dry out for a few days and the clay
will shrink and should come out easily.
– 62 – Ancient Rome Prim-Ed Publishing www.prim-ed.com