this post was submitted on 22 Jun 2025
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How did people in ancient times build multi story buildings without them collapsing? (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 month ago by x4740N@lemmy.world to c/askhistorians@lemmy.world
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I'm wondering how they figured out how to prevent buildings from collapsing before structural engineering became widespread and default in the building process

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[–] merde@sh.itjust.works 17 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Masonry is one of the oldest building crafts in the world. The construction of Egyptian pyramids, Roman aqueducts, and medieval cathedrals are all examples of masonry. Early structures used the weight of the masonry itself to stabilize the structure against lateral movements. The types and techniques of masonry used evolved with architectural needs and cultural norms.