Historical Information
Arch bridges provide one of the most stable structures in nature. As a result their design has been incorporated into modern architecture. The origins of the arch bridge are deeply rooted in ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian culture.
These early people used the arch to support elevated drainage canals, in town gates, bridges, underground canals, and especially tombs. In their earliest attempts to create these arches, these early civilizations "corbeled out each course of stones from the one beneath until an arch was formed when the two sides met." ( Great Ages of Architechture, 46) The material used in this was sun dried bricks because at the time this was the most efficient and durable resource available.
Later the Romans adapted this technology into their everyday life. The Romans were compelled to explore new archtectural designs such as the arch because of the tremendous pride they had for their culture. They saw themselves as superior to other races and they wanted to demonstrate this superiority whenever possible, even in cultural aspects as far reaching as architechture. They always began construction with the idea of making their work immortal.
The arch bridges built by the Romans were used to support the vast aqueduct system that spanned their great empire. They had to find a way to get water from the mountains to the city and countryside, and consequently needed a strong, solid structure which could support the weight of the aqueducts which were elevated. Towards the end of the second century B.C. the Romans found that if they used concrete, the arches in the arch bridges would have greater strength and durability. Over time, the Romans employed bricks as the chief source of material for everything from bridges to temples. By about 50 B.C., the use of bricks had become common.
The earliest bridge in Rome was the Pons Mulvius, in 109 B.C. This primitive structure had already incorporated the arch design into its structure. The first stone bridge ever built in Rome was the Pons Aemilius in 142 B.C., which relied on arches for support. Over time, the Romans like their predecessors the Etruscans, found the arch to be a useful tool in constructing almost anything. As a result the remains of arches can be found throughout Italy and Egypt.
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