True History - Veritas Card #18 - Architectural Advances in Rome

Architectural Advances in Rome - c. 250 B.C.

     Did you know that there was a period of silence in Israel, which lasted 400 years, from the time of Malachi to John the Baptist? God was active and speaking to the Israelites for many years, then there was 400 years where nothing appeared to happen. But then the most amazing thing happened. What was prophesied in the Old Testament was now coming to pass right before the eyes of the people!
   It was somewhere during this silent time when Rome began to advance in the area of architecture. First, Rome was built on seven hills. The villages were combined to make one city, during the time of the Etruscans. Then they built a forum. There was an open square where businesses were open daily. There were then buildings called 'basilicas' built around the forum. Then they built public buildings that were used as offices and courts of law. They built temples that were dedicated to the Roman gods and goddesses. A wall was built around the city in 378 B.C.
      There were more and more people in Rome now and there was a need for organization in the city. There were paved streets that were built throughout Italy. They were used as highways. The Romans desperately needed clean water, and with their creativity, they built aqueducts and sewer systems. The aqueducts were used to bring fresh water to the people. They were used to having dirty water in the streets, but that caused people to become ill. The underground sewers that were built helped to take the dirty water away and make it more sanitary. Many beneficial things were developed by the Romans during this time period.