This document provides an overview of the history and development of civil engineering. It discusses how civil engineering has dealt with construction, development, and maintenance of the built environment since ancient times. It also outlines some of the major historical developments in civil engineering materials and techniques from ancient megalithic structures to modern developments. The document notes that while early ambitious structures sometimes led to failures, each disaster and mistake has contributed to improvements in the field. It highlights new trends in civil engineering, particularly new technologies used in structures like Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.