2026年5月托福机经套卷(第5套) - Read an Academic Passage Q2

Ancient Aqueducts Aqueducts are among the most impressive engineering feats of ancient civilizations. Aqueducts are structures built to transport water from a distant source to cities and towns. The Romans, in particular, perfected the construction of aqueducts, using gravity to carry water over long distances. Roman aqueducts were made of stone, brick, and concrete and included tunnels, bridges, and pipes. The aqueducts were essential to the growth and sustainability of Roman cities. They supplied water for public baths, fountains, households, and agriculture. One famous example is the Pont du Gard in France. Built in the first century A.D., it spans 50 kilometers and features a three-tiered bridge that remains standing today. Aqueducts were not unique to the Roman Empire. Ancient Greece, Persia, and India also developed systems for water transport. Persian aqueducts, known as qanats, were underground channels tapping groundwater sources. These systems were exceptionally durable and could last for centuries. However, constructing and maintaining aqueducts required significant resources and labor. Despite these challenges, aqueducts were essential investments in ancient infrastructure and played a crucial role in development.