Egyptians are …show more content…
Unlike pyramids in Egypt, made with materials that weren’t created to last, Romans developed a technology that changed that architectural world forever: concrete. Concrete made ancient structures like the Pantheon and Coliseum strong enough to somewhat withstand the years of wear. Roman concrete, large chunks of rock bound with a mixture of volcanic ash and water with lime, created a more environmentally friendly material than modern Portland cement (that has to be heated to 1,450℃ which in turn releases enough carbon to be responsible for 7% of global carbon emissions). This form of concrete was had less porosity of that of regular Portland cement that had allows cracks to form and propagate; Roman cement could withstand the seismic activity of the Roman time-period ("Unique Crystals Prevent Crack Propagation, Make Ancient Roman Concrete Strong"). One of the many creations that stood the test of time, with the aid of Roman concrete, was the circular harbor at Caesarea on the coast of Israel. The further studies of concrete by the Romans allowed for a harbor like this to created because the concrete could cure underwater; the concrete for this project was further illustrated in the De Architectura by Vitruvius and his methods proved true. A special mix of pozzolana (a specific volcanic ash named after the town, Pozzuoli, near Campi Flegrei where it was first used), lime, and seawater. This combination created concrete that hardens over time as it comes in contact with seawater (Swaminathan). The Romans could overcome obstacles such as seismic activity and building near water with their development of concrete and the way the evolved this