Vaults

Definition

Vaults are architectural structures that provide a ceiling or roof over a space, created by the arching of materials, typically stone or brick. This innovation in construction allowed for larger and more stable interior spaces in buildings, which played a crucial role in the development of Roman cities and their impressive public structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The use of vaults was crucial in Roman architecture, allowing the construction of vast interior spaces in structures such as basilicas and bathhouses.
2. Roman builders innovated with concrete to create more complex and larger vaults, enhancing the stability and aesthetic appeal of their buildings.
3. Different types of vaults include barrel vaults (a series of arches) and groin vaults (formed by the intersection of two barrel vaults), each contributing uniquely to the architectural landscape.
4. The implementation of vaults enabled Romans to construct monumental structures like the Pantheon, which features a massive coffered concrete dome.
5. Vaults not only served functional purposes but also had significant cultural implications, as they symbolized the power and engineering prowess of the Roman Empire.

Review Questions

• How did the invention of vaults influence the design of public spaces in Roman cities?
  • The invention of vaults transformed the design of public spaces in Roman cities by allowing architects to create larger and more open interior environments. This architectural advancement enabled the construction of grand public buildings like basilicas, which served as centers for civic life. Additionally, vaults facilitated the development of complex structures such as baths and temples, contributing to the urban aesthetic and functionality of Roman cities.
• Discuss the differences between barrel vaults and groin vaults and their respective roles in Roman architecture.
  • Barrel vaults consist of a series of connected arches that create a continuous tunnel-like structure, while groin vaults result from the intersection of two barrel vaults. Both types were widely used in Roman architecture; barrel vaults were commonly employed in long hallways and large spaces like baths, while groin vaults allowed for more intricate ceiling designs in areas where two vaulted spaces met. Each type contributed to the versatility and grandeur of Roman building designs.
• Evaluate the significance of concrete in the construction of vaults and its impact on Roman architecture as a whole.
  • Concrete played a pivotal role in the construction of vaults by providing strength, flexibility, and ease of use that traditional stone did not offer. The Romans mastered concrete technology, enabling them to create larger and more complex vaulted structures without compromising stability. This innovation allowed for architectural feats like the Pantheon’s dome, fundamentally changing Roman architecture and setting a precedent for future building techniques in Western civilization.

Related terms

Arch:

A curved structure that spans an opening and supports weight above it, serving as a foundational element in the construction of vaults.

Dome: A rounded architectural feature that is similar to a vault but is typically hemispherical, used to create expansive ceilings in monumental buildings.

Concrete: A building material made from a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates, which the Romans mastered to create durable structures including vaults.