Domenico Fontana (1543-1607) was among the first to do civil engineering.

He was responsible for the great obelisks in Rome, and many road and hydraulic engineering works.

He used mathematics, geometry, and calculations to solve mechanical problems.

The term "engineer" had long been applied in Italy, France, and England to the builders of war machines and fortifications.

The technical aids of warfare and defense were known under the term "ingenia."