Why Did the Ancient Romans Use Concrete So Differently Than We Do?

Roman concrete was like a super-strong cake. Instead of using sand and cement like we do today, the Romans used volcanic ash mixed with lime and water. This made their concrete extra tough, even when it got wet, and that helped it last for hundreds of years.

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Examples

A Roman building made of volcanic ash and lime stood for centuries.
Modern sidewalks break easily after a few years.
Roman ships in the harbor were held together by strong concrete that lasted through waves.

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Categories: History · Roman Empire· Engineering· Concrete· Ancient History