The Fascinating History of Concrete

You might think concrete is a modern marvel – but its roots stretch back thousands of years. From the ancient Egyptians to the mighty Romans, civilisations have long relied on this material to build the extraordinary.

In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating history of concrete, from its earliest use in pyramids to the advanced concrete construction techniques shaping today’s cities. Why does this matter now? Because understanding the past helps us build better today.

At 2 Brothers Concrete & Pumping, we combine ancient knowledge with modern tools to deliver expert advice, and concrete services you can trust.

Egypt’s Early Foray into Concrete Construction

The origins of concrete take us back to ancient Egypt, where early builders mixed mud, gypsum, and lime mortar to create solid foundations and monumental structures. These forms of ancient concrete were primitive by today’s standards but pivotal in supporting vast architectural ambitions.

For a great example, look no further than the Great Pyramids as, though primarily built from stone, the blocks were held together by gypsum and lime mortars. This approach enabled the Egyptians to build at a scale that had never witnessed before in the history of mankind.

By incorporating concrete, durable foundations could be created and structures sealed, protecting them from erosion from sand and water.

This early innovation marks one of the first known uses of building materials resembling concrete. It’s clear the origins of concrete were born out of necessity and creativity, setting the stage for more advanced civilisations to build upon.

Roman Ingenuity: The Golden Age of Concrete

When it comes to concrete mastery, the Romans were in a league of their own, to the point that they even had their own “Roman concrete” or opus caementicium, which was not only durable, but also revolutionary.

It transformed what could be built, and how long it would last. In fact, many of their structures still stand today, outlasting modern equivalents in both form and function.

Concrete That Stood the Test of Time: What Made Roman Concrete So Special?

Roman concrete was made using a mix of volcanic ash (pozzolana), lime, and seawater, forming a chemical bond that strengthened over time. Some of these mixes have even shown signs of self-healing, as cracks reseal when exposed to moisture.

It could set underwater, which allowed for the construction of durable harbours and sprawling aqueduct systems; key to Rome’s expansion and engineering success. Plus, the mix was highly resistant to weathering and corrosion, particularly from saltwater, which is why so many Roman coastal structures have endured.

Among the most iconic examples of this ancient concrete at work are:

• The Pantheon, with its massive unreinforced dome, which still stands as a marvel of engineering.
• The Colosseum, a colossal arena capable of seating tens of thousands, constructed with concrete and stone.
• The vast aqueducts, which carried water across valleys and hills using gravity, clever gradients, and solid concrete.

So, what is the history of concrete telling us here? It tells us that ancient builders weren’t just creating structures; they were setting the standard.

Roman ingenuity offers more than just inspiration; it shows us what’s possible when concrete is done right. At 2 Brothers Concrete & Pumping, we take cues from this legacy in every job we take on, combining time-tested principles with cutting-edge tools to solve tough access issues, maximise strength, and deliver reliable results.

Concrete in the Middle Ages and Renaissance: A Forgotten Craft

After the fall of Rome, concrete knowledge faded into the background. Concrete construction was largely abandoned in Europe throughout the Middle Ages; stone and timber became the go-to materials, while the advanced Roman methods were lost or misunderstood.

Still, concrete made the occasional appearance. Fortified castles and medieval cathedrals saw limited use of lime mortars, and during the Renaissance, as classical texts were rediscovered, so too were glimpses of Roman building methods. But true concrete, as a widespread building material, wouldn’t make a full comeback until much later.

The Industrial Revolution and Modern Concrete: A Concrete Comeback

It wasn’t until the 1800s that concrete re-entered the mainstream. British bricklayer Joseph Aspdin patented Portland cement in 1824, which turned out to be a breakthrough that forms the base of nearly all concrete used today.

During the Industrial Revolution, cities needed stronger, faster, and more cost-effective building solutions, and concrete turned out to be the answer. Reinforced concrete followed, combining steel with cement to produce a material strong in both tension and compression.

From urban bridges to the foundations of factories, concrete became the backbone of industrial growth. This renewed focus set the stage for concrete’s modern-day dominance across the globe.

Concrete Today: Modern Solutions Built on Ancient Foundations

Today’s concrete is smarter, cleaner, and more adaptable than ever before. Modern concrete technology builds on ancient wisdom with high-performance mixes and eco-friendly alternatives, and at 2 Brothers Concrete & Pumping, we’ve witnessed this evolution first-hand.

Here’s how modern concrete has developed:

• Pre-cast systems for faster, more efficient installation.
• High-performance concrete that cures quicker and lasts longer.
• Sustainable options, including recycled materials and low-carbon mixes.

Our work at Gunwharf in Portsmouth was a great example of modern innovation in action. The job involved our team expertly pumping concrete 140 metres through Gunwharf Quays overnight, creating a mezzanine floor that would stand the test of time; a prime example of ancient inspiration meeting modern precision.

We also offer liquid screed for underfloor heating and smooth internal surfaces, and expert concrete finishing services to give every project a polished touch. The principles behind these techniques have ancient roots, but our equipment and expertise bring them firmly into the 21st century.

Even now, we’re solving floor levelling problems and improving build efficiency, just as Roman engineers did, only with a few more tools in our kit.

Built to Last: Your Project, Our Concrete Expertise

The history of concrete is more than a timeline; it’s a toolkit. And with modern concrete technology, we’re building smarter, faster, and better than ever.

Whether you're restoring, renovating, or building from scratch, we bring the experience and equipment to deliver quality that lasts. Call us today on 01489 552737 or use our contact form to speak with our friendly team. We’re fully insured, CPA and CPCS certified, and always ready to help.