OPUS CAEMENTICIUM

Ancient Roman concrete was a remarkable building material that allowed the Romans to construct impressive structures that still stand today. The key to its durability was a unique combination of volcanic ash, lime, and water. The volcanic ash, sourced from regions like Pozzuoli, reacted with the lime and water to form a strong cement.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Roman concrete is its self-healing properties. When cracks appear, seawater can penetrate and react with the volcanic ash, forming new minerals that fill the cracks and strengthen the concrete. This process, combined with the use of high-quality aggregates, has allowed Roman structures to withstand the test of time.

The Romans used concrete for a wide range of structures, including buildings, bridges, aqueducts, and harbors. The Pantheon, with its massive concrete dome, and the Colosseum, with its concrete outer walls, are two iconic examples of Roman engineering.