A 2023 study by MIT researchers has shed new light on the lasting strength of Roman concrete, which has supported structures like the Pantheon for nearly 2,000 years. The secret lies in ingredients like pozzolanic volcanic ash and lime clasts, combined using a unique method known as hot mixing. This technique enabled the concrete to heal itself over time by forming calcite crystals in cracks. Unlike modern Portland cement, Roman concrete retains properties that enhance longevity, offering potential for improving today’s building materials with ancient wisdom.
