We all know who invented the Aqueduct but does anyone know who thought up the Viaduct?

I'd really like to know. Regards,
Reinhardt

Reminds me of a great Marx brothers routine. Groucho mentions somethign about a viaduct. Chico replies, "Viaduct? Via noa chicken?".

As read in an Oxford Dictionary

viaduct origin: from Latin via 'way' , on the pattern of aqueduct

So the design is based on an Aqueduct. therefore whoever invented it must have been after the romans...but who?

After Googling a bit, it seems that the Ancient Greeks invented the arch bridges, and the Romans modified it with a series of arches made from stone and cement to form the aqueduct.
Since Latin is basically an old italian language, it may well have been the Romans who itvented it.

via in italian means street, road, way.

Duct as an english noun means tube or passageway
Duct as an english verb means convey through a duct
which again is derived from Latin ductus 'leading' or ducere 'lead'

Unfortunatley I cant find my Latin dictionary to get more details, but I think it was the Romans at about the same time as the aqueducts.

Viaduct, n : bridge consisting of a series of arches supported by piers used to carry a road (railroad)over a valley, canal, city; etc. from the [Latin via, road; see via + (aque)duct.]

Aqueduct, n: 1. A pipe or channel designed to transport water from a remote source, usually by gravity.
2. A bridgelike structure supporting a conduit or canal passing over a river or low ground.
3. Anatomy. A channel or passage in an organ or a body part, especially such a channel for conveying fluid. [Latin aquaeductus : aquae, genitive of aqua, water; aqua + ductus, a leading;]

Since both were built by the Romans to convey troops, etc over roads, water (given examples) and water through channels, I would say the Romans are credited with inventing both. Look at the pictures of some of the remaining Roman roads and look for the arched bridges crossing a canal (for example) and you have your viaduct. The term viaduct today commonly refers to a single road overpass which usually crosses railroad lines and canals, or rivers. Hope that helps.

Take care,
Stargazer

Yours anwers helped alot. Thanks for the time and effort guys!
Much obliged,
Reinhardt