A society’s architectural endeavors are quite telling of their culture. In some cases just as telling of the culture is the materials used for those architectural endeavors. In the case of the Roman Empire many structures reflected the traditions, influences and beliefs of the people, however, a very important aspect to the resulting monuments are the material which made them possible. Concrete construction enhanced roman aspiration and symbolizes roman culture.
Concrete is a diverse mixture of ingredients when in the correct proportions can have long lasting effects. Similarly, “Within the Roman Empire’s borders lived millions of people of numerous races, religions, tongues, and cultures: Britons and Gauls, Greeks and Egyptians, Africans and Syrians, Jews and Christians, to name but a few.” (p.157) The concrete’s ingredients varying size, shape and properties work together to compensate for each other’s differences to create a strong and permanent bond. A great example of the collection of Roman people was the uniting attraction of the coliseum amphitheater. The featured events at the coliseum drew in citizens of all walks of life to occupancy of 50,000 people.

Concrete when first made is fluid and fits to its form. Ancient Rome was adaptive to conform to the demands of its people through social and political systems which by ancient standards were unique and modern. Sometimes the changes were painful and rough like changing of emperors by force but the remained strong enough to remain Roman. Even a shift in religion was not enough to tear apart the tacky concoction that was the Roman Empire.

Once concrete is set, it created strong and durable structure that could redefine possibility. The innovative new material concrete helped Romans achieve greater feats than ever possible. The Pantheon was created as a temple that was revolutionary with the largest