# Apollodorus of Damascus

> 2nd century Syrian Roman architect and engineer

**Wikidata**: [Q189375](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q189375)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollodorus_of_Damascus)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/apollodorus-of-damascus

## Summary
Apollodorus of Damascus was a 2nd-century Syrian Roman architect and engineer, primarily known for his contributions to Roman infrastructure, including Trajan's Bridge. His work in civil engineering and urban planning left a lasting impact on the Roman Empire's engineering legacy.

## Biography
- **Born**: 50–65 CE (approximate dates)
- **Nationality**: Syrian (Roman citizen)
- **Education**: No formal records, but trained in Roman engineering practices
- **Known for**: Designing Trajan's Bridge and other major Roman structures
- **Employer(s)**: Roman government (likely under Emperor Trajan)
- **Field(s)**: Architecture, engineering, urban planning

## Contributions
- **Trajan's Bridge**: Designed and oversaw the construction of the Roman segmental arch bridge over the lower Danube, a landmark engineering achievement of the Roman Empire.
- **Urban Infrastructure**: Contributed to the development of Roman infrastructure projects, including bridges and public works.

## FAQs
- **What was Apollodorus of Damascus known for?**
  Apollodorus of Damascus was known for his role in designing Trajan's Bridge, a significant Roman engineering project. His work in architecture and urban planning contributed to the Roman Empire's infrastructure.

- **Where did Apollodorus of Damascus work?**
  Apollodorus of Damascus worked for the Roman government, likely under Emperor Trajan, where he oversaw major construction projects.

- **What field did Apollodorus of Damascus work in?**
  Apollodorus of Damascus worked in architecture, engineering, and urban planning, specializing in the design and construction of Roman infrastructure.

## Why They Matter
Apollodorus of Damascus's work on Trajan's Bridge demonstrated advanced Roman engineering techniques, influencing later infrastructure projects. His contributions to civil engineering and urban planning set standards for Roman construction, shaping the Empire's legacy in engineering.

## Notable For
- Designed Trajan's Bridge, a key Roman engineering achievement.
- Pioneered segmental arch bridge construction techniques.
- Advanced Roman infrastructure and urban development.

## Body
### Early Life
Apollodorus of Damascus was born in the 1st century CE, likely in Syria, a region with a history of engineering expertise. His early training in Roman engineering practices prepared him for a career in infrastructure development.

### Career
Apollodorus of Damascus worked for the Roman government, where he designed and oversaw major construction projects. His most notable work was Trajan's Bridge, a segmental arch bridge spanning the lower Danube, showcasing advanced Roman engineering.

### Projects
- **Trajan's Bridge**: Completed in the 2nd century CE, this bridge was a marvel of Roman engineering, featuring segmental arches that allowed for long spans without intermediate supports. Its construction set a standard for bridge design in the Roman Empire.

### Influence
Apollodorus of Damascus's work on Trajan's Bridge influenced later Roman engineers and inspired innovations in bridge construction. His techniques in segmental arch design became foundational for Roman infrastructure projects.

### Legacy
Apollodorus of Damascus's contributions to Roman engineering left a lasting impact on the Empire's infrastructure. His designs and methods were adopted in subsequent construction projects, ensuring the durability and functionality of Roman bridges and public works.

## References

1. Union List of Artist Names. 2010
2. Integrated Authority File
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. archINFORM
5. Structurae
6. BnF authorities
7. Biblioteca Virtual Miguel de Cervantes
8. IdRef
9. Städel Museum
10. Sandrart.net
11. Sapere Encyclopedia
12. Great Russian Encyclopedia
13. Croatian Encyclopedia
14. Proleksis Encyclopedia
15. Apollodoros of Damascus
16. Source
17. [Dictionnaire universel d’histoire et de géographie. 1878](https://fr.wikisource.org/wiki/Dictionnaire_universel_d%E2%80%99histoire_et_de_g%C3%A9ographie_Bouillet_Chassang/Apollodore_(architecte))
18. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
19. Artsy
20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
21. Virtual International Authority File
22. CONOR.SI
23. [Source](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiarch.php)
24. [LIBRIS. 2010](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/mkz27qs501pm2tm)
25. HMML Authority File