Top 10 incredibly advanced Roman technologies that will blow your mind.

This paragraph discusses the fall of the Roman Empire as one of history's greatest tragedies, highlighting the loss of architectural marvels, philosophical works, and advanced technologies. The video promises to explore the most advanced Roman technologies that were lost and later rediscovered. Roman concrete is introduced as a superior, environmentally friendly, and durable building material that was used in structures like the Pantheon and underwater constructions. The durability was achieved through the addition of volcanic ash called Pozzolana, and modern companies are now attempting to replicate this formula.

The second paragraph focuses on the impressive Roman aqueduct systems that supplied fresh water to cities across the empire. The Aqua Claudia is mentioned as an example, which supplied Rome with a significant amount of water per day from a considerable distance. Other engineering feats include the long tunnel supplying water to Decapolis and the low gradient aqueduct to Nemausus, featuring the renowned Pont du Gard. The Romans' mastery in construction is emphasized, noting that their works would still pose challenges to modern engineers.

This section delves into the Romans' ability to construct massive buildings and complexes. Notable examples include the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Maxentius, and the Temple of Jupiter at Heliopolis, also known as Baalbek. The text marvels at the engineering required to erect such large structures and the methods used to move and lift colossal stones and pillars, some weighing up to 100 metric tons. It also mentions the mysterious cyclopean stones from an older platform beneath the temple, weighing as much as 800 tons each.

The fourth paragraph outlines the Romans' innovative use of arches in their architecture, exemplified by the Alcantara bridge in Spain. It then discusses their prowess in dome construction, with the Pantheon's dome being the largest unsupported concrete dome in the world. The famous Colosseum is highlighted as a prime example of a Roman amphitheater, with its intricate design allowing for rapid evacuation and serving as a model for modern stadiums.

This section describes the extensive Roman road network that interconnected the empire's provinces, totaling 400,000 kilometers in length. The roads were accompanied by outposts, post stations, and lodgings for travelers. The collapse of this advanced infrastructure with the fall of the Roman Empire is noted, and it is mentioned that it took a thousand years for Europe's infrastructure to reach similar levels of advancement.

The text explores the Romans' significant mining operations, particularly for iron ore and precious metals, which were essential for coinage. The landscape alteration caused by gold mining in the Spanish region of Leon, known as Las Medulas, is described. The Romans' use of hydraulic power to wash out vast quantities of earth from mountains over 250 years is detailed, resulting in the mining of at least a million kilograms of gold.

While not strictly a Roman invention, the Antikythera device, discovered in a shipwreck, is believed to have been created during the time when Greece was part of the Roman Empire. This mechanical device, with its complex gear system, was capable of predicting astronomical positions and eclipses. It is considered an analog computer and its complexity was not matched until the 19th century.

The Lycurgus Cup, dating from the late Roman Empire, is made from a special glass that appears green in reflected light and red when light passes through it. This effect was achieved by mixing gold and silver nanoparticles, approximately 70 nanometers in size, with the glass. The method of extracting such small particles is unknown, and the paragraph questions whether the Romans had an understanding of nanotechnology or simply stumbled upon the effects of these particles.

The Romans integrated modern irrigation systems into their cities, with the Cloaca Maxima of Rome being the most famous example. They also constructed water pipes made of lead to supply fresh water to various establishments. The Romans used floor heating systems, known as hypocausts, in both private villas and public baths. Additionally, they made significant advancements in the field of surgery, developing various surgical instruments and procedures, and even practiced forms of plastic surgery.

The Romans built an industrial complex of watermills at Barbegal to supply the city of Arelate with flour. This complex consisted of seven mill houses with 16 water wheels, producing 4.5 metric tons of flour daily. The text also discusses the large waterwheels known as Norias, which were depicted in mosaics from various Roman eras. The technology was later adopted and refined by the Cistercian monks, contributing to the spark of the industrial revolution.

The Greek mathematician and engineer Heron, who lived during the Roman era, invented numerous machines, including the Aeolipile, a precursor to the steam engine. He also constructed automatons and programmable devices, such as an automated temple door opening mechanism and a theater play operated by a complex system of ropes and knots. Another example is Nero's rotating dining platform, a complex piece of engineering with interlocked gearwheels and bronze spheres as ball bearings.

The Romans invented Greek Fire, a weapon used by the Eastern Romans from the 7th century. It was based on a compound similar to modern Napalm, capable of burning continuously and resistant to being extinguished by water. This weapon played a crucial role in defending Constantinople from naval invasions. The exact composition of Greek Fire remains a mystery, contributing to its historical intrigue.

The story of flexible glass, or Vitrum Flexile, is mentioned with skepticism. According to ancient accounts, an inventor presented Emperor Tiberius with an indestructible bowl, leading to the inventor's execution to prevent the devaluation of gold and silver. While the authenticity of this story is in doubt, a modern researcher suggests that such a technology could have been possible using Borax with glass, resulting in a flexible material similar to modern borosilicate glasses.

The final paragraph reflects on the advanced state of the Roman civilization and the technological dark age that Europe experienced after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. It highlights how the fall of the Eastern Roman Empire led to the Renaissance, as scholars fled Constantinople with knowledge that had been lost in the West. The video concludes by acknowledging the significant contributions of the Greeks and Romans to modern inventions and pondering the potential alternate history had Rome not fallen.