(EA) Roman Aqueducts Lesson

Roman Aqueducts Lesson

Introduction

 

 

 

 

 

Explore

The Roman society was growing through the expansion of territory from conquests. The civil infrastructures supported the Roman government, citizens, military and the general population. Infrastructure to provide safe drinking water was required because rivers and streams were increasingly polluted through the vast activities of human activities and waste. So Roman engineers developed water supply systems from surrounding fresh water springs. The water brought in to the cities was used for government, elite, and public use. But another major need was to provided water based entertainment in the regional amphitheaters. Mock naval battles were sometimes held in these large venues.

Watch a portion of the following NOVA Building Wonders: Colosseum: Roman Death Trap video to see and understand the plumbing to pipe water for flooding the Roman Coliseum.

 

 

 

Challenge

 

Take Away

The Romans have been called master builders for their accomplishments in structural engineering of bridges, buildings, and aqueducts. Many of these projects are still standing and are in use today. They also excelled in excavation for tunnels and mining. Indeed, the Romans are especially known for their vast network of roads and viaducts throughout the Roman territory. To accomplish all of this, Romans developed a superior concrete to be used in their construction projects. The Romans are also credited for improved mills and watermills. Of course much of the military conquest by the Romans was based upon superior weapon development such as catapults, ballista, and trebuchets. 

What was the impact to society of the significant governmental investment in the Roman civil engineering infrastructure and military weapons development?

The Roman society was growing through the expansion of the territory and continued gain in resources from these conquests. The civil infrastructures supported the military, Roman government, and populations. Clean drinking water was necessary to maintain the population’s health. The military advancements supported the military for expansion growth. The Roman economy was further supported through governmental investments in the Roman civil engineering infrastructure.

 

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