ancient techniques still used today
From ancient Rome to today in Vail
Roman Roads
The history of pavers is an interesting journey that spans thousands of years, reflecting human ingenuity in creating durable and aesthetically pleasing surfaces for roads, walkways, and structures.
Here’s a brief overview:
- Ancient Times: The use of pavers can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, and Mesopotamians. These civilizations used various materials like stone, brick, and clay to create durable pavements for roads, plazas, and courtyards.
- Roman Empire: The Romans were particularly adept at road construction. They built an extensive network of roads throughout their empire using stone pavers, known as “pavimentum.” These roads were crucial for trade, military movement, and communication, and many of them still exist today.
- Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, the use of pavers continued, albeit with simpler techniques. Cobblestone streets became common in European cities and towns, providing durable and easily maintainable surfaces.
- Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution brought about significant advancements in road construction materials and techniques. Machine-made bricks and concrete pavers started to replace natural stone, offering greater consistency in size and quality.
- 20th Century: Pavers became more standardized and mass-produced during the 20th century. Concrete pavers, in particular, gained popularity due to their affordability, versatility, and ease of installation. They were used in various applications, from sidewalks and driveways to patios and garden paths.
- Modern Innovations: In recent decades, there have been innovations in paver design and technology. Interlocking concrete pavers, for example, feature tongue-and-groove edges that lock together, creating a stable and flexible pavement surface. These pavers are also available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing for endless design possibilities.
- Environmental Considerations: With increasing concern for the environment, there has been a growing interest in permeable pavers. These pavers allow water to infiltrate through the surface into the ground, reducing stormwater runoff and replenishing groundwater supplies.