<P> Marble is not found especially close to Rome , and was only rarely used there before Augustus , who famously boasted that he had found Rome made of brick and left it made of marble , though this was mainly as a facing for brick or concrete . The Temple of Hercules Victor of the late 2nd century BC is the earliest surviving exception in Rome . From Augustus ' reign the quarries at Carrara were extensively developed for the capital , and other sources around the empire exploited , especially the prestigious Greek marbles like Parian . Travertine limestone was found much closer , around Tivoli , and was used from the end of the Republic ; the Colosseum is mainly built of this stone , which has good load - bearing capacity , with a brick core . Other more or less local stones were used around the empire . </P>
what type of stone did the romans use
Marble Travertine limestone Other more or less local stones