The Pont du Gard is a famous ancient Roman aqueduct bridge located in southern France. It was built over 2000 years ago to transport water from the Eure spring to the city of Nîmes, which was over 50 kilometers away. The bridge is considered to be one of the greatest achievements of Roman engineering and architecture.The Pont du Gard is a three-level bridge with 47 arches, standing at a height of 49 meters. The lower level, which was built from the right side to the left of the bridge consists of six arches, while the middle level has 11 arches, was built from left to right, and the upper level, which was built the same way the middle one was, has 30 arches. The bridge is made of limestone blocks, which were fitted together without any mortar, however in the museum they said that they had a model of the aqueduct firstly made of wood, and then they placed the rocks to build it whole. It is a remarkable feat of engineering, especially considering that it was built without modern equipment and tools. The stone masons and the blacksmiths had the biggest role in building the Pont du Gard. The stone masons had to be very careful because there wasn’t any mortar, so the stones had to be perfectly sculpted. The blacksmiths, on the other hand, had to sharpen the masons' tools from time to time so that they could sculpt more precisely and be ready to work at any given time. The Pont du Gard was not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. It was designed with elegance and beauty in mind, and it has been admired for centuries. The bridge served as a symbol of Roman engineering prowess and was a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the people who built it.

Today, the Pont du Gard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (from 1985) and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the bridge and learn about its history and engineering. There is also a museum that provides insight into the daily life of the people who lived in the area during Roman times. In conclusion, the Pont du Gard is a remarkable example of Roman engineering and architecture. It is an iconic landmark that has stood the test of time and continues to be admired for its beauty and ingenuity. The bridge is a testament to the skill and creativity of the ancient Romans, and it is a valuable part of our shared human heritage.

UNESCO World Heritage Argumentation Workshop