Todays Fact Finder: A Secret on Longevity of Roman Buildings

One fact about the Roman Empire is that they used a type of concrete called “pozzolana” which is actually stronger than modern-day concrete. Not only did it set underwater, making it ideal for harbors and other marine constructions, but many of these structures have withstood the test of time and are still standing today, over 2,000 years later. This is particularly impressive given that modern concrete structures can deteriorate in just a few decades. The secret to its durability lies in its unique blend of volcanic ash and lime, which forms a chemical bond stronger than that of modern concrete.