How Did Rome Influence Roman Architecture?

On July 4, 1776 the United States of America declared its independence from Great Britain. This liberty brought upon a new way of looking at life as well as a new definition to architecture in the United States. Architecture became the language for government, public facilities and suburban towns to boast about the newly gained freedom from Britain and the inspiration it found from previous civilizations to aid in the success of the future. In order to begin establishing this newfound republic, Thomas Jefferson looks to France’s muse and what inspired her revolution: ancient Greece and Rome architecture. The example of a government building during this new era is the United State’s Capital. This American neoclassical design screams Greek and Roman architectural design with the use of the domed ceiling, the monumental stairs, and the multiple Ionic columns that line the entrance of the capitol. Benjamin Henry Latrobe was the second architect to work on the Capitol. He contributed the …show more content…
The power of ancient Greece and its direct government was influential to the individual’s independency or freedom. Roman and Greek architecture are seen throughout Washington D.C. during this time, or what is known as Capital Hill specific to today. Through the influences of these styles of architecture, Capital hill has flourished into a world-recognized symbol of one of the most powerful political figures on the globe. The early design of the western cities to strategically grow based upon a grid system was one that has been adopted from the 17th century to present day America. Through the language of Architecture during the 17th and 18th century, America has developed upon the original ideals of those early proponents, i.e. Thomas Jefferson, to distinguish itself from neighboring