ROMANS

WATER INNOVATIONS

The Roman Empire began as a small city-state in the 8th century BCE. By the 2nd century CE, it had grown into the most expansive and influential civilization in European history.

Though the empire collapsed 300 years later, we can still find evidence of Roman technological innovation throughout Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. And when you do, it's usually something to do with water. 

When they developed the Roman arch - a structure used to bridge gaps without building a solid wall - they inadvertently created the world's first dependable bridges. That incredibly sturdy, arched bridge was used throughout the empire. There’s a good chance that when you cross a bridge in a Mediterranean city today, it’s held up by a Roman foundation. 

Water was so important to the Roman Empire that they developed a wide range of innovative solutions to carry it where it was needed most. Innovations included earthen ditches to irrigate farmland and terracotta pipelines that carried water from rivers to villas and bathhouses.

The bathhouse is an iconic example of Roman water-related innovation. They were usually built over hot springs and provided a sheltered and warm place to bathe.

They were huge, but more importantly, they were useful. Which is why…..