What Can You Learn from the Ruins of a Roman Aqueduct in Patara?
Gideon For-mukwai, Ed.D Story Strategist
Story-selling steeped in neuroscience → I used to fight deadly fires. Today, I help business owners fight business fires.
Let me take you back to the 4th Century AD…
How would you fetch fresh water from a river across a steep mountain to a growing city overlooking the turquoise-blue waters of the Mediterranean?
Welcome to Patara, Antalya Province of Turkey. In 4AD, the Romans ran this town.
Instead of screwing around digging pathetic water wells, Romans did what they do best.
They built an astounding Roman Aqueduct to convey water from the Xanthos Valley.
Guess what? That Roman edifice stills stands today! In some places, it looks like the Great Wall of China!
On May 9th, 2022, I viewed the aqueduct in awe. I was in the company FEAST storytellers, healers, and experts from Europe, Russia, America, and Asia.
Built during the era of Roman Emperor Nero, the giant aqueduct overlooking the Mediterranean makes a mockery of modern-day engineering feats.
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Consider these facts:
·??????Romans used knowledge of gravity and fluid dynamics to pumps to move water. No Pumps!
·??????Romans carved circular holes in stones to enhance flow. Who cares about pipes?
·??????Romans hoisted massive stones stone slabs up to 30 – 40 feet. No cranes, no problem!
It got me thinking… What’d Roman builders say if they could look down on our shaky structures today? What would they say? I bet they’d say, “Wake up wimps. You all are crybabies!
To me, this is not a story about a Roman aqueduct. It is a story about the triumph of human ingenuity.
I believe the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of building something that leaves a trail for posterity.
So, what are you building today? What are you doing in your business that will be here 2000 later? OK, how about just 20 years later? Hmmm... Now, that's deep!
P.S.
Can't help but say, there is so much to learn from Turkey. Period! Go check out Turkey for yourself.
Professional Trainer, Speaker, and Coach
2 年Thanks for sharing that facinating story, Gideon For-mukwai, Ed.D, CEM Story Strategist. I particularly had to stop and pause at your question: "What are you building today (and how long will it last)?" You are a master storyteller sir and I really enjoyed this one. I might add my own twist to this story: "What do you do when faced with a problem the size of a mountain?" It can add an additional dimension to your already marvelous example. I can't wait to hear about your other stories that you gleaned from your trip to Turkey.