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| The Appian Way |
Brindisi and Reggio. Including branch roads, it was over 350 miles long and was an average of 20 feet in width. A crown-shaped base of heavy stone blocks cemented together provided good drainage. The surface may have been gravel at first, but closely fitted blocks of lava were added later for a more durable covering.
ROMAN AQUEDUCTS. Many ancient cities grew so large that nearby wells and rivers could no longer supply them with sufficient fresh water. Both the Greeks and Romans built aqueducts to carry water from distant mountain reservoirs to their large cities. Aqueducts consisted of underground pipes, of rock-lined tunnels, and, the most impressive sections, of masonry arches that carried the water in aerial canals. Pont du Gard in France is a well-preserved example of a Roman aqueduct.
THE CIRCUS MAXIMUS in Rome, started in the 3rd century B.C., was the earliest and biggest of the Roman structures built for viewing chariot races. Over the years the Circus Maximus grew from a natural depression near Palatine Hill to a massive U-shaped stone building topped with tiers of seats for more than 250,000 spectators. Wooden seats and standing room for the masses were free; dignitaries occupied front-row marble seats. Three marble-faced arcades, one above the other, provided space for people selling food, drink, and other services.
THE COLOSSEUM in Rome was opened by the Emperor Titus in A.D. 80. On the first day 5,000 beasts were killed. Metal bars and high walls protected the public from the wild animals in the elliptical arena. Crowds cheered while gladiators fought lions, tigers and each other. There were 80 entrances to this largest of all Roman ampitheatres. The first floor of the Colosseum's outer wall had Doric columns, the second Ionic, and the third Corinthian. Small Windows and shields of bronze ornamented the rather plain face of the fourth story.
