Civil engineering plays a vital role in the development of our communities and our country as a whole. It is not a modern endeavor, though. In fact, civil engineering is such an ancient practice that it is difficult to determine exactly when groups of people began employing it on a large scale. It could be argued that even the innovation of locating and sheltering in a cave with branches over the entrance is an example of ancient civil engineering, but this quick guide will look at how civil engineering on a larger scale has developed.
Ancient Examples
The earliest recorded examples of the employment of civil engineering date back to between 4000 and 2000 BC in the areas of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Here, humans started giving up their nomadic existence and settling into stable communities. This created the need for the construction of shelters in abundance. These shelters needed to be organized in the most efficient way for community members to interact and access resources. It was also crucial that transportation routes be organized within the communities. Groups began realizing the importance of planning the layout of their communities to make them prosperous and convenient.
The First Engineer
The first recorded reference to a civil engineer (although not called such at the time) was the designer Imhotep that planned the pyramid for King Djoser. This structure was located in Saqqara Necropolis. Imhotep introduced the concept of using shaped stones.
Ancient Accomplishments of Civil Engineering
Among the many civil engineering accomplishments of ancient times is the Qanat water management system in Greece, the Appian Way in Rome, the Great Wall of China, and the Stupas of Sri Lanka, as well as the irrigation systems of Anuradhapura.
The Romans quickly took the lead as masters of civil engineering, creating feats like the Roman aqueducts, insulae, Roman harbors, bridges, and of course, the ever-famous Roman roads.
Civil Engineering Evolution
As tools, technology, and education increased, so did the precision and artistry with which civil engineers began developing their structures. By the 3rd Century, Archimedes had begun contributing a scientific edge to architecture that would shift the way artisans and stone masons approached construction. In the 7th-century excavation, computations were greatly improved based on the input from Indian mathematician Brahmagupta.
The Development of Modern Civil Engineering
The term civil engineering was coined in the 18th century. This term was used to differentiate between military engineering and all other types of engineering services. The first school of civil engineering was opened as the National School of Bridges and Highways in France in 1747.