Although Ancient Roman architecture is very distinctive, much of the style was borrowed from the Ancient Greeks, who influenced many elements of the Ancient Roman culture. One of the main differences between the Greeks and the Romans was that the Romans had access to concrete, where the Greeks did not. The concrete was used to build the walls, and sometimes the roofs, of buildings. The Romans also used a variety of other materials, including terracotta, stone, brick, and marble, though it was expensive.

A very ornate Roman temple

Roman buildings were almost always majestic and ornate. They spent much of their time building temples, theatres, and forums. All these things were built for superfluous purposes—to show of wealth and gain popular support. Hadrian’s Wall, however, was felt to be a necessity. It is one of few practical structures built by the Romans.