Final answer:
Ancient Rome is famous for its complex aqueduct systems, establishing a vast network to supply water to cities, notably exemplified by the Pont du Gard. Compared to other ancient civilizations, the scale and engineering sophistication of Roman aqueducts were unparalleled.
Step-by-step explanation:
The civilization best known for its complex aqueduct systems is Ancient Rome. The Roman Empire's achievements in engineering included the construction of aqueducts, which were used to transport water from various sources such as springs or rivers into the cities. Romans constructed these aqueducts with the capability to cross valleys using arched bridges, one famous example being the Pont du Gard in southern France. However, Roman engineers often preferred underground channels and tunnels to transport water to avoid constructing bridges. By around AD 100, dozens of aqueducts supplied water to Rome, reaching a total length of approximately 300 miles, with the objective to provide clean water to over one million residents.
Even though ancient civilizations like Egypt, with its development along the Nile River, and those in present-day Syria, Iraq, and Iran had also made significant advances in water management with dams and tunnels, the sophistication of Roman aqueducts set them apart as an exceptional feat of engineering.