Ancient Engineering

Discovers the transport networks of the past and the history of how roads were built in order to access basic supplies.

Since the earliest civilisations, humans have needed walls to protect themselves. From rudimentary walls around early towns and cities to vast fortresses and castles, culminating in one of the greatest engineering triumphs of all time.

The Great Pyramid at Giza is the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its scale is breath-taking and it is built to the mind-boggling degree of precision. How did ancient engineers achieve this feat, and what was the purpose of this monumental and mysterious structure?

In the Middle Ages, the technology of the castle evolved by leaps and bounds. Engineers constructed some of the most spectacular buildings of all time in a dramatic arms- race. At the same time, new weapons designed to attack castles came to the fore.

Building for God reached a high point in the Middle Ages with Notre Dame, when a new engineering movement emerged in Europe.

The temple of Ankgkor Wat in Cambodia is one of the most beautiful and mysterious buildings in the world. Built on a swamp, the temple is held in place by an ingenious system of canals that prevent the earth from becoming waterlogged.