The MIT News journal of recent scientific findings reports that two thousand years later, materials scientists have finally figured out how the Romans made concrete that was (and still is) more durable than what we are able to make today. The Roman concrete literally “heals” cracks that form and does so automatically.
It appears the Romans added quicklime to the mixture instead of lime-mixed-with-water known as “slaked lime.” Perhaps we can do likewise and reap the benefits the ancient Romans got from their super strong concrete, some of which continues to last and be functional to this day.
You have to wonder what other technologies the ancients had that remain lost. Perhaps the “Greek fire” weapon that burst into flame upon exposure to air? How could the ancients have compounded and used that? Hat tip to Instapundit for the link.
