Building for Eternity: Rome’s Engineering Genius

Ancient Rome’s infrastructure embodied a civilizational ethos that prized longevity over expediency.

"Roman Road" by Oast House Archive. This road is one of many that the Romans built in the UK. GeographBot/CC BY-SA 2.0

Every year, Rome attracts millions of tourists. People from all corners of the globe board transatlantic flights to visit the Colosseum, taste Italian cuisine, and stroll through the eternal city’s charming streets.

For many, Rome also represents the legacy of the Roman Empire, one of history’s great civilizations. The Roman Empire left indelible marks throughout Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor, including a vast network of durable infrastructure. From bridges to roads to subterranean cisterns, Rome’s public projects exemplified a commitment to longevity that’s worth pondering today.

A Very Short History of Rome

Rome began as a small settlement on the banks of the river Tiber. Although archaeological evidence shows human activity as early as 1700 B.C., the city’s mythical founding was in 753 B.C., when Romulus killed his twin brother Remus and proclaimed himself ruler.