Engineering Technology Advances
Huge riches and rising city population started large infrastructure projects - aqueducts, roads, bridges, which were all possible by a new form of concrete perfected by the Romans.
The Aqueducts
During the time of the empire, access to adequate supply of clean water was one of the largest constraints on a city. The system built by Rome used 11 aqueducts running into the city from nearby springs and reservoirs, crossing 46 miles of hills and valleys to create the first ever flowing municipal water supply.
This system brought in 250,000,000 gallons of water each day. That's more water per day than New York City used in the 1980s. Water supplied 1,300 fountains (where residents got their water), 144 public toilets, 850 private baths, and 11 public baths with enough water left to fill the Coliseum for water battle reenactments. (The Story of All of Us, 2012)
This system brought in 250,000,000 gallons of water each day. That's more water per day than New York City used in the 1980s. Water supplied 1,300 fountains (where residents got their water), 144 public toilets, 850 private baths, and 11 public baths with enough water left to fill the Coliseum for water battle reenactments. (The Story of All of Us, 2012)
Concrete
And their secret to these impressive aqueducts? The Romans had perfected a new building material: concrete. The main ingredient in this concrete was volcanic ash, and while less durable than today's concrete, it had an amazing resilience over time. It is believed that the ash’s unique mix of minerals helped the concrete withstand chemical decay and damage.
Despite its successes, the use of the material disappeared along with the Roman Empire. Concrete structures were seldom built during the Middle Ages, suggesting volcanic ash wasn’t the only secret to the durability of Roman concrete. (Wayman, 2011)
Despite its successes, the use of the material disappeared along with the Roman Empire. Concrete structures were seldom built during the Middle Ages, suggesting volcanic ash wasn’t the only secret to the durability of Roman concrete. (Wayman, 2011)
Roman Roads
Roman soldiers were trained as road builders as well, and during the time of the empire, they built over 53,000 miles of roads using this same concrete. Learn more about the Roman road system.
Steam Engine
In the early 20th century, advance earth moving and transportation systems
allowed building to expand into the hillsides around Rome, where they were previously unable to build due to costs and difficulties. (Karabenick, 1963)
allowed building to expand into the hillsides around Rome, where they were previously unable to build due to costs and difficulties. (Karabenick, 1963)