Roman Architecture
 he Roman style of architecture was under the influence of the Etruscans till the fifth century BC. This influence is still noticeable in the last century of the Republic and is clearest in the construction of architraves. With the help of these architraves of Dorian design the Romans were able to build large temples. The beam rested on the capital of the columns.
Steps no longer surrounded the temples. They were put on high platforms with wide stairs in front of the entrance.
Besides the influences of the Etruscan architectural style there is the influence of the Greeks. Especially the Corinthian style had its influence. An important difference is that the columns often lost their function of bearing the roof. The Romans just used them for the purpose of decoration.
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