Great Engineering

Topic: empire

The Aztecs – Engineering an Empire

In less than 200 years the Aztec’s transformed themselves from a band of wandering nomads to the greatest civilization the New World had ever known. What records remain of this amazing feat indicate they did it through brilliant military campaigns and by ingeniously applying technology to master the harsh environment they faced. They built their [...]

Greece – Engineering an Empire

Western Civilization has been influenced by many cultures, but it was born in Ancient Greece. The Ancient Greeks laid a foundation that has supported nearly 3000 years of European history. Philosophers like Aristotle and Socrates, Olympian gods, the beginnings of democracy and great conquering armies can be attributed to the Ancient Greeks. This strong and [...]

The Maya – Engineering an Empire

At the height of its glory, this mysterious civilization ruled a territory of 125,000 square miles across parts of Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Belize. What began as a modest population of hunters and gatherers expanded into more than forty flourishing city-states who engineered sky-high temple-pyramids, ornate palaces and advanced hydraulic systems. Where did [...]

Egypt – Engineering an Empire

Twenty-five hundred years before the reign of Julius Caesar, the ancient Egyptians were deftly harnessing the power of engineering on an unprecedented scale. Egyptian temples, fortresses, pyramids and palaces forever redefined the limits of architectural possibility. They also served as a warning to all of Egypt’s enemies-that the world’s most advanced civilization could accomplish anything. [...]

Rome – Engineering an Empire

This video tells the story of the expansion of the Roman Empire by means of amazing engineering feats. One of the more impressive anecdotes of this History Channel production is that the Roman aqueducts procured more water for the city of Rome during the Empire than New York City could supply its inhabitants in 1985.

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Featured Videos

Building the Great Pyramid

The recent robotic explorations of the ‘air-shafts’ in the Great Pyramid have demonstrated that there are still many mysteries surrounding the ancient monument. Ian Shaw discusses the debate around the building of the great structure and investigates the methods used in its construction.

Oresund Bridge – Megastructures

Stretching a staggering 8-kilometres, the Oresund Bridge changed the face of Scandinavia when it opened in 2000, carrying both road and rail traffic from Copenhagen in Denmark to Malmo in Sweden. Follow the progress of the project, focusing on the challenges that the designers, engineers, and construction teams face.

Shanghai World Financial Center – Extreme Engineering

This mixed use skyscraper which consists of office spaces, hotel rooms, conference rooms, observation decks and shops on the ground floors. The hotel component will open with 175 rooms and suites in mid-2008 as the Park Hyatt Shanghai.
On September 14, 2007, it became the tallest structure in China, including Hong Kong, as well as the world’s third [...]

Rio-Antirrio Bridge – Megastructures

The combination of challenges is amazing: strong earthquakes, deep waters, fast currents and weak sea beds. It is the longest cable-stayed suspension bridge in the world, and has the largest bridge foundations.

Building the Burj Dubai – Big, Bigger, Biggest

When completed, the Burj Dubai will be the world’s tallest skyscraper. But how is it possible? What technology wil allow 35,000 people in a single building?

Building Hong Kong’s Airport – Extreme Engineering

Great video showing how the artificial island that became the airport was built, and also how the airport was connected to the city using huge bridges and tunnels.

Stonecutters Bridge – Discovery Channel

World’s longest cable-stayed bridge spans over Hong Kong’s crowded harbour.

Dubai – Impossible City

The best documentary ever made about Dubai and its incredible constructions. All aspects of the new constructions are discussed. From the palm islands, to burj dubai, the floating bridge, Burj Al Arab and the metro construction.
On our blog:
http://www.edibek.com/2007/03/13/dubai/

Engineering Thrills – Discovery Channel

Great documentary from Discovery Channel about roller-coasters and engineering. Features some of the best rollercoasters in the world, Niagara falls and expert advice.