The history of infrastructure closely follows the history of organized groups of humans. In order to gather in groups for the purpose of agriculture, organized systems of shelter, water, and waste disposal were needed. As villages grew, infrastructure needs also grew to support the increasing specialization of the people. Communication networks also became more important as the desire and need for trade increased.

As large empires combined and organized whole areas of the world, large infrastructure systems could be built by centralized governments. One of the most extensive and durable systems belonged to the Roman Empire. Over several centuries the Romans built an amazing network of roads, aqueducts, and urban facilities to support their activities. For a closer look at Roman infrastructure, an HTML version of a student report is available.

With the development of modern societies and governments, the establishment of infrstructure systems became even more widespread and standardized. After the systems are built, they must be maintained to continue their usefulness. The field of infrastructure engineering is developing in order to maintain the existing systems at the highest levels possible. The strategies and techniques being developed now will shape the form and function of infrastructure systems throughout the world.