Who is credited with building the first aqueducts?

The Romans are credited with building the first aqueducts because they developed and refined the technology necessary for long-distance water transportation, creating a sophisticated system that included gravity-fed channels, bridges, and tunnels. Roman aqueducts are renowned for their engineering excellence, showcasing advanced techniques in construction that allowed them to transport water across hilly terrain. These structures utilized carefully calculated gradients, precise arches, and durable materials, enabling them to function effectively over vast distances—sometimes even over 50 miles.

While other ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Babylonians, had their methods of water management, none achieved the same level of complexity and scale as the Romans. The Greek aqueducts, for instance, were simpler and less widespread. The Egyptians had an intricate canal system, primarily for irrigation, and the Babylonians built major canals, but again, these did not match the Roman aqueducts in terms of engineering sophistication and utility for urban water supply. The innovative design and extensive use of aqueducts had a profound impact on Roman society, allowing cities to flourish and demonstrating the Romans' significant contributions to civil engineering and urban planning.