I just read that most Roman concrete is still standing after 2,000 years

I found this out in a journal article about the Pantheon. It said over 90% of the original concrete dome is still there, which is wild when you think about modern bridges needing fixes after 50. They mixed in volcanic ash, and it actually gets stronger in salt water. Has anyone else come across a find that made you rethink how 'advanced' we really are?

3 comments

3 Comments

martin.tyler1d ago

Check out how they built Machu Picchu without mortar.

the_caleb20h ago

But what did that concrete cost in human lives? The Pantheon is amazing, but it was built by slaves and an empire that fell. @martin.tyler, those Inca stones are incredible, but their society collapsed too. Our modern methods might not last as long, but they are safer and built for everyone.

faith7417h ago

Have you ever considered that maybe the goalposts just moved? Sure, ancient stuff is solid, but it served kings and gods. Our stuff serves way more people, even if it needs more upkeep. It's not about what lasts forever, but what works for the living. I'd take a safe, accessible library built today over a pyramid that cost thousands of lives.