Ep 1. Roads That Changed The World

The show Ancient Engineering explores the feats of engineering prowess from civilizations long past. Season 1, Episode 1, titled Roads That Changed The World, delves into the history and evolution of roads from the time of the Roman Empire to the modern-day highway systems we use today.

The episode begins with an introduction to the importance of roads throughout history, showcasing the vast networks of trade and commerce that would have been impossible without them. It then focuses on the ancient Romans, who are widely regarded as the masters of road-building. Expert engineers explain that Rome's advanced infrastructure, including its network of roads, helped the empire to dominate much of the known world at the time.

Viewers are taken on a journey to some of the most impressive Roman roads still standing today, such as the Appian Way, which was built over two thousand years ago and stretches 400 miles to the southern Italian port city of Brindisi. The engineering techniques used to construct such a road are explored in detail, including the layers of stone and gravel used to create a level, stable road surface.

Ancient Engineering then moves on to ancient China, where the focus shifts to the construction of the famous Silk Road. This was a network of trade routes that saw goods transported between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The episode highlights the way road design changed depending on the terrain, from the ice-covered passes of the Pamir Mountains to the vast deserts of Central Asia. Experts in Chinese history explain the role roads played in the unification of China, and how they were used to transport not only goods but also armies.

The show then takes viewers to the Inca Empire in South America, where massive road networks were constructed across tens of thousands of miles of mountainous terrain. Despite the lack of any written language, roads were essential to the Inca in maintaining communication and trade between their many cities. However, the challenges they faced in constructing these roads were vastly different to those faced by the Romans or the Chinese. The Inca relied heavily on their engineering knowledge of the local geography to create paths that could wind up and over mountains and through dense jungle vegetation.

Finally, the episode explores the roots of the modern highway system. It explains that the Industrial Revolution, which saw a surge in technological advancement, allowed for the creation of faster, more efficient modes of transportation. By the early 20th century, concrete and asphalt was being used to build roads, making them suitable for both cars and trucks. The importance of road design in modern-day highways is also discussed, with a focus on the US Interstate Highway System, which revolutionized transportation in the United States.

Throughout the episode, expert interviews and reenactments provide viewers with vivid imagery of roads throughout history. The use of computer graphics to recreate the building process, and interviews with experts on engineering and history, adds depth to the topic. The importance of roads, not just in transport but as an essential element of culture and society, is clearly evident.