Just a couple of miles from Mérida in Spain, Proserpina Dam was constructed during Roman rule around AD 100, with various other sections added over the years. Today, the 1,394-foot-long (425m) structure makes for a scenic stroll or picnic spot, and the accompanying reservoir is still used to irrigate farms.

For centuries it was known as Albuera de Carija, but the name was changed in the 19th century following the discovery of an ancient inscription at the site. A tantalising insight into Roman gossip, the writer called on goddess of the underworld Proserpina to punish those that had stolen some drying laundry...

The world’s oldest man-made structures still in use today