ABSTRACT
The supreme ruler was inextricably tied to Roman gods and goddesses, as well as to the political arena. Roman buildings were constructed mainly from marble and brick. Evidence from ancient Roman brickyards that have been found and excavated shows that Romans had created large ovens specifically for baking bricks. It gained popularity during the Roman days because it offered an appearance of grandeur, distinctive from everyday stone. The first architectural works created under the Roman Empire were commissioned by Emperor Augustus. One of the most impressive feats of Roman architectural engineering was the Colosseum. It was also the first known example of a Roman amphitheater that was intended to be permanent. Roman games were held here, such as gladiator battles and hunts. It was designed to commemorate the Roman sacking of Jerusalem, which had occurred ten years earlier. When not creating architecture to honor an emperor, Romans were busily engaged in designing and building structures in homage to their gods.
