Engineering and innovation in antiquity: how were Rome's aqueducts built?

The ancient Romans built buildings that have remained intact to this day, and one of the wonders they left for posterity are the aqueducts.

Such imposing structures had the important function of transporting water from distant natural sources and supplying large urban areas.

While we admire these works as remarkable feats of engineering, it is surprising to realize that, at their core, they operated with incredible simplicity, with gravity alone.

You aqueductsRomans, as monuments remaining from antiquity, are a testimony to the mastery of the engineers who already existed at that time.

They used a combination of arches, constructed canals, and specific features of the terrain to create a ingenious system, capable of moving water constantly and effectively over long distances.

Hydraulic structures were also developed in ancient civilizations such as Persia, India and Egypt, but the Romans took this technique to an unprecedented level.

They created complex networks of aqueducts that were able to bring water to a variety of terrains, leaving a legacy that is still visible in many parts of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

The natural question that arises is: how was this all constructed?

Construction of Roman aqueducts

(Illustrative image: Reproduction/Shutterstock)

Such Roman structures are a remarkable testament to the engineering and careful planning that the Romans employed in their construction.

To create these impressive works of engineering, they faced a series of challenges and used advanced techniques to ensure the success of the venture.

One of the initial considerations was the topography of the land and the orientation of the canals. It was important that the water flowed at an ideal speed, neither too fast to avoid premature wear of the structures, nor too slow to avoid stagnation and contamination.

Roman engineers applied their advanced measurement and mathematical skills to calculate the correct direction, ensuring efficient water flow.

The success of the aqueducts can also be attributed to the high-quality materials used in construction. Stones, bricks and volcanic cement were the main components.

Much of these canals were built underground, a remarkable feat to protect them from erosion and ensure water was delivered cleanly and efficiently.

The process of building these underground canals involved a monumental task. Huge holes were dug by teams of workers and, often, slaves.

Such activities were carefully planned to follow the previously determined route. Once excavated, the canals were lined with layers of clay to prevent leaks and ensure that water flowed continuously.

The ingenious system made it possible to supply water over surprising distances, sometimes reaching almost 100 kilometers.

The ability to reliably reach extensive routes was crucial to the success of large Roman cities, which depended on this supply to meet the needs of their inhabitants.

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