Summer 2025 · Torch: U.S. · ART & ARTICLES
26
Reyansh Malla
When we think of Rome, images of the Colosseum, aqueducts, and grand palaces often come to mind. But beneath the marble facades and imperial splendor lay something much less impressive: concrete. The Romans were not just ferocious conquerors; they were urban pioneers who created one of history’s first true “concrete jungles.” Roman concrete, known as opus caementicium, was a revolutionary development.
Unlike modern cement, Roman concrete used volcanic ash, limestone, and seawater. This made it so durable that many Roman buildings still stand today, over 2,000 years later. Thanks to this material, Romans could build larger, stronger, and more ambitious structures than ever before.
Concrete allowed them to expand their cities vertically, not just horizontally. Concrete gave birth to the Roman insulae, multi-story apartment buildings that housed the majority of lower-middle-class Romans. These ancient apartment complexes were often cramped, noisy, and flammable, but incredibly modern for their time.
Outside, the streets of Rome teemed with energy. Vendors shouted their absurd pricing from roadside stalls, while carts, pedestrians, animals, and imperial troops bumped each other for space in the narrow pathways.
Urban congestion was a constant challenge, and it became so bad that Julius Caesar even banned wheeled traffic during daylight hours to reduce noise and ease congestion.
In many ways, ancient Rome mirrors the challenges of today’s cities: rapid urbanization, housing shortages, and overcrowded streets. Despite centuries of progress and innovation, like multi-lane highways and traffic signals, these problems persist, reflecting our inability to create the perfect city.
How Rome Built the First Concrete Jungle
Elise Brasch, Upper Dublin High School, PA