Ancient Engineering Season 2 Episode 10 Building Bridges

In season 2 episode 10 of Ancient Engineering, titled "Building Bridges," viewers are taken on a journey exploring the ancient art of bridge-building. From the Roman aqueducts to the rope bridges of the Inca Empire, the episode covers the various techniques and materials used by our ancestors to connect physical divides and expand trade and travel.

The episode opens with a focus on the world-famous Roman aqueducts, which were an innovative technology of ancient engineering that helped power the Roman Empire's expansion. The host takes viewers on a tour of the ruins, explaining how it was built to stand the test of time, relying on gravity to transport water across incredibly long distances. Despite being built over two millennia ago, these ancient aqueducts managed to provide thousands of people with clean drinking water for centuries.

Next, the episode dives into the more fragile-looking suspension bridges of the Inca Empire. We learn about how the Inca people used fibers from natural vegetation to create intricate networks of rope bridges throughout Peru, which served as vital infrastructure to spread their empire far and wide. The episode also touches upon the fascinating story of how Spanish conquerors destroyed these bridges to weaken the Inca Empire and gain control, effectively severing a critical communication channel and trade route.

The episode then takes a look at stone bridges, built in medieval Europe, with a primary focus on the famous Charles Bridge in Prague. Built over six hundred years ago, using stone and brick, Charles Bridge has weathered decades of floods and war and continues to connect two significant districts of Prague even today.

The show also explores some of the lesser-known bridges of the world, like the U Bein bridge in Myanmar, which is the longest teak wood bridge built over a lake, and the Qhapaq Ñan bridges in Peru that span over canyons and valleys.

In the latter half of the episode, the host walks viewers through some of the modern developments in bridge building. He shows how advancements in material science and computer technology have pulled off incredible feats of design and engineering, like the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge, which links the coastal cities of China across 42kms of the sea. Viewers also get to see the reconstruction of the London Millennium Bridge, which was once notoriously nicknamed the "wobbly bridge."

Overall, "Building Bridges" is a fascinating episode of Ancient Engineering that showcases the incredible diversity of bridge-building around the world. From ropes to stones to steel and concrete, the episode provides a glimpse into the history of bridge-building, reminding us that, even in ancient times, people always valued connecting with each other. The episode is a great blend of history, engineering, and travelogue, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in learning more about the world's great constructions.