Nemausus) in southern France (ancient Gaul). This exceptionally
well preserved Corinthian pseudoperipteral temple, which dates to
the opening years of the first century CE, is the best surviving exam-
ple of the Augustan Neo-Classical architectural style.
An earlier Augustan project at Nîmes was the construction of
the great aqueduct-bridge known today as the Pont-du-Gard (FIG.
10-33). Beginning in the fourth century BCE, the Romans built aque-
ducts to carry water from mountain sources to their city on the Tiber
River. As Rome’s power spread through the Mediterranean world, its
architects constructed aqueducts, roads, and bridges to serve colonies
throughout the far-flung empire. The Pont-du-Gard demonstrates the
skill of Rome’s engineers. The aqueduct provided about 100 gallons of
water a day for each inhabitant of Nîmes from a source some 30 miles
away. The water was carried over the considerable distance by gravity
alone, which required channels built with a continuous gradual decline
over the entire route from source to city. The three-story bridge at
Nîmes maintained the height of the water channel where the water
crossed the Gard River. Each large arch spans some 82 feet and is con-
structed of blocks weighing up to two tons each. The bridge’s upper-
most level consists of a row of smaller arches, three above each of the
large openings below. They carry the water channel itself. Their quick-
ened rhythm and the harmonious proportional relationship between
the larger and smaller arches reveal that the Roman engineer had a
keen aesthetic as well as practical sense.
PORTA MAGGIORE Many aqueducts were required to meet
the demand for water in the capital. Under the emperor Claudius
(r. 41–54 CE), a grandiose gate, the Porta Maggiore (FIG. 10-34),
was constructed at the point where two of Rome’s water lines (and
two intercity trunk roads) converged. Its huge attic (uppermost
story) bears a wordy dedicatory inscription that conceals the con-
duits of both aqueducts, one above the other. The gate is the out-
standing example of the Roman rusticated (rough) masonry style.
Instead of using the precisely shaped blocks Greek and Augustan
architects preferred, the designer of the Porta Maggiore combined
smooth and rusticated surfaces. These created an exciting, if eccen-
tric, facade with crisply carved pediments resting on engaged
columns composed of rusticated drums.
NERO’S GOLDEN HOUSEIn 64 CE, when Nero (r. 54–68 CE),
stepson and successor of Claudius, was emperor, a great fire destroyed
large sections of Rome. Architects carried out the rebuilding in accor-
dance with a new code that required greater fireproofing, resulting in
the widespread use of concrete, which was both cheap and fire resis-
tant. Increased use of concrete gave Roman builders the opportunity to
explore the possibilities opened up by the still relatively new material.258 Chapter 10 THE ROMAN EMPIRE10-33Pont-du-Gard, Nîmes, France, ca. 16 bce.
Roman engineers constructed roads and bridges throughout the empire. This aqueduct bridge brought water from a distant mountain spring to
Nîmes—about 100 gallons a day for each inhabitant.10-34Porta Maggiore, Rome, Italy, ca. 50 ce.
This double gateway, which supports the water channels of two impor-
tant aqueducts, is the outstanding example of Roman rusticated (rough)
masonry, which was especially popular under Claudius.