Construction through the Ages (From Pyramids to Plumbing)

Ancient societies built massive monuments, many of which still stand. How did ancient engineers and builders raise up the Great Wall of China or the Great Pyramids of Egypt? They often needed new materials and building techniques, both of which required studying construction technology.

Around 10,000 years ago, humans began to settle in permanent cities. They needed new technologies to raise bigger houses and monuments. Many of the discoveries made by ancient engineers are still used today. From building materials such as concrete, bricks, and glass to construction machines such as ramps, archways, and sloped camber roadways, many of the buildings we walk in everyday use designs first invented in the ancient world.

Learn about the ancient construction methods that laid the foundation for modern monuments, plumbing, and skyscrapers.