In a quest to revolutionize modern construction and combat the environmental impact of traditional concrete, researchers are turning to the wisdom of ancient builders who created structures that still stand today.

These age-old edifices, crafted by civilizations like the Romans, Mayans, and Chinese, have provided insights into innovative building materials and techniques that could reshape the future of construction.

While modern concrete typically has a lifespan of only 50 to 100 years and contributes significantly to carbon emissions, scientists are delving into ancient materials to unlock their enduring qualities. These materials often feature unexpected ingredients such as tree bark, volcanic ash, rice, beer, and even urine.

Astonishingly, these elements confer remarkable properties like self-healing and increased strength over time.

Researchers are particularly intrigued by Roman concrete, known for its durability. By studying ancient texts and materials, they've uncovered that the Romans used burnt limestone, volcanic sand, and chunks of lime mixed with water and gravel to create their concrete.

Recent studies suggest that the presence of unevenly distributed lime chunks may contribute to the material's self-healing ability. When cracks form, water seeps in and activates the remaining lime, initiating new chemical reactions that repair the damage.

Another theory attributes the longevity of Roman concrete to the specific volcanic materials they utilized.Volcanic rocks, collected after eruptions, react with the environment over time, sealing cracks that develop.

The Maya civilization in Honduras also offers valuable insights. Researchers found that incorporating extracts from local chukum and jiote trees into lime mixes resulted in exceptionally durable plaster. The tree "juice" became part of the plaster's molecular structure, mimicking the resilience of natural structures like seashells.

While some believe that ancient builders may have experimented with various materials, with only the successful ones surviving over time, others argue that these builders had a deep understanding of their local environment.

In India, for instance, builders customized materials based on regional conditions, using herbs to combat moisture, unrefined sugar to protect against salt damage along the coast, and lightweight "floating bricks" made with rice husks in earthquake-prone areas.

Modern builders are now looking to incorporate the unique properties of ancient materials into contemporary construction. Startups are working on Roman-inspired "self-healing" concrete, while collaboration with organizations like the Army Corps of Engineers aims to design concrete structures that can withstand seawater, safeguarding coastlines from rising sea levels.

Ultimately, the goal is not to replicate ancient building methods entirely but to adapt and integrate their enduring qualities into modern construction practices. Extending the lifespan of concrete by 50 to 100 years could significantly reduce the need for demolition, maintenance, and raw materials, making construction more sustainable for the future.