Which engineering discipline is considered the oldest after military engineering?

Civil engineering is recognized as one of the oldest engineering disciplines, second only to military engineering. This is largely due to its foundational role in the development of infrastructure and the built environment. Historical records show that civil engineering has roots that trace back to ancient civilizations, where it involved the construction of roads, bridges, aqueducts, and buildings essential for society's functioning and growth.

Civil engineering encompasses a wide range of activities, including site development, water resource management, and transportation systems, reflecting its vital role in societal advancement. It is fundamentally concerned with the design, construction, and maintenance of both public and private works, which makes it crucial for immediate human needs and the long-term sustainability of communities.

In contrast, while mechanical, electrical, and architectural engineering each have their own historical significance, they developed later as specialized fields that arose from the foundational principles established in civil engineering. Thus, civil engineering holds a prominent place in the history of engineering disciplines.