For 2000 years, people wondered how the Pantheon was able to stand intact while many other structures had fallen. As an architect, I have wondered about this too.
Scientists finally tested samples of the concrete structure and analyzed them in labs. They came up with the theory that the Romans had invented an advanced process that strengthened the concrete without the need for steel rebars such as we have today in our crumbling concrete bridges.
To test their theory, scientists made a batch of Roman concrete and poured it into a wooden form until it set. Then they removed the form, deliberately cracked the Roman concrete and pumped water into the crack to simulate rain. To their surprise, they found the concrete healed itself by filling the crack! Researchers discovered that the ancient Romans actually had invented a “hot concrete mix” that could heal itself!
The Roman concrete technology that was finally revealed by scientists in 2022 is now being developed and incorporated into modern concrete construction.
Yes, the ancient Romans were GENIUSES when it came to building concrete structures. The Pantheon was built to honor “All of the Gods” and the Gods apparently gave the Romans the secret to build a structure that has endured for 2000 years!
