Roman Engineering

Definition

The Romans are known for their remarkable engineering feats, be they roads, bridges, tunnels, or their impressive aqueducts. Their constructions, many of them still standing, are a testament to their superior engineering skills and ingenuity. Roman engineers improved upon older ideas and inventions to introduce a great number of innovations. They developed materials and techniques that revolutionized bridge and aqueducts' construction, perfected ancient weapons and developed new ones, while inventing machines that harnessed the power of water. Roman engineering accomplishments generated much wealth and prosperity, improving the daily lives of Romans and helping Rome maintain its dominance in Europe and the Mediterranean for centuries.

More about: Roman Engineering

Timeline

  • 321 BCE
    The Via Appia, a famous Roman road, is constructed.
  • 312 BCE
    Rome's first aqueduct constructed, the 16 km long Aqua Appia.
  • 144 BCE - 140 BCE
    Rome's 91 km long Aqua Marcia aqueduct constructed.
  • c. 20 BCE
    Military engineer and architect Vitruvius publishes his "De Architectura".
  • c. 20 BCE
    The Campus Martius baths in Rome are constructed and donated to the people by Agrippa.
  • 41 CE
    Roman emperor Claudius builds a 6 km tunnel to drain the Fucine Lake.
  • c. 50 CE
    The largest Roman aqueduct, 49 m high, completed at Pont du Gard.
  • 72 CE
    Vespasian begins construction of the Colosseum in Rome.
  • 110 CE
    The Baths of Trajan in Rome are completed.
  • 122 CE
    Construction begins on Hadrian's Wall.
  • c. 125 CE
    The Pantheon is completed in Rome.
  • c. 235 CE
    The Baths of Caracalla in Rome are completed.
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