: The Babylonians used it as a mortar for brick walls and as a sealant for their famed Hanging Gardens .

Modern asphalt began with two Scottish engineers in the early 19th century:

For thousands of years, asphalt was a "miracle" substance found naturally in places like and the Dead Sea .

: Later builders realized that adding hot tar to these stones reduced dust and wear, creating "tarmacadam" (tarmac).

As cars replaced horses, the demand for smooth, durable roads skyrocketed.

: Phoenicians and Egyptians used natural bitumen (asphalt) to waterproof their ships , ensuring the wood survived long voyages. The Industrial Revolution

: In 1870, Belgian chemist Edmund J. DeSmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the U.S. in Newark, New Jersey. The Modern Era

: Today, asphalt is high-tech. Modern pavers use automation and thermal mapping to ensure the mix is laid at the perfect temperature (usually between 150°C and 170°C) to prevent cracks. The Future of the Road