The mystery of Rome's curable concrete and its unprecedented longevity has been solved

For thousands of years, many Roman constructions have remained standing on our planet. Virtually every single one of those edifices, aqueducts, temples, and ruins are major tourist attractions. One of the reasons they are tourist attractions is their antiquity. Another reason is their beauty. A final reason is the impressiveness of their engineering and longevity. We live in an ephemeral world.

Up until now, scientists and researchers have never been able to figure out exactly why Roman concrete has had such great lasting power. Roman concrete mixes—the recipes of which we have had for centuries—far outlast our modern concoctions. And probably most impressively, Roman concrete has lasted in difficult areas, like areas with serious seismic activity, sewers, active aqueducts, and seawalls. It was a true mystery. But not anymore.