Clean Water In Ancient Rome
The greatest achievement in ancient Rome was the creation of the aqueducts. A history professor at the university of Louisville stated that “Aqueducts channeled thousands of gallons of fresh water into Rome each day, supplying hundreds of public water-basins and bathing establishments throughout the city” (Gigante 1). The fresh water from springs was carried thousands of miles into Rome every day. This water ran into the public water-basins and baths throughout the city. A widely published and well-known scholar, Filippo Coarelli, said “For 441 years after the foundation of Rome, the Romans were satisfied with the amount of water that could be drawn from wells, spring, and the Tiber” (Coarelli 1). As the population of Rome grew, the quantity
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As they became aware of the importance of public health and the detrimental effects of disease, they grew concerned with the water that they drank and bathed in. Vitruvius said, “We must take great care in searching for springs and, in selecting them, keeping in mind the health of the people” (Truman 1). This shows that the Romans highly valued clean water, which they received via aqueduct. The military immediately saw the health benefits of their soldiers who drank clean water. Since swamps were commonly infested with diseases, mainly malaria,“[c]ommanders ordered their junior officers not to set up camp too near a swamp and the drinking of swamp water was especially discouraged” (Trueman 1). After this change was implemented, they saw their soldiers looked healthier and fought better. The soldiers’ efforts and health were of great importance to Rome because they fought to expand the empire and were part of the reason that the Roman empire was so successful. The Roman military was able to be successful because they knew that water and its cleanliness was important. “Although their focus was on maintaining a motivated and healthy army, their citizens benefited as well” (Nordqvist 1) Since the Romans were concerned with the quality of their water, they became healthier and stronger and were able to minimize the spread of
As they became aware of the importance of public health and the detrimental effects of disease, they grew concerned with the water that they drank and bathed in. Vitruvius said, “We must take great care in searching for springs and, in selecting them, keeping in mind the health of the people” (Truman 1). This shows that the Romans highly valued clean water, which they received via aqueduct. The military immediately saw the health benefits of their soldiers who drank clean water. Since swamps were commonly infested with diseases, mainly malaria,“[c]ommanders ordered their junior officers not to set up camp too near a swamp and the drinking of swamp water was especially discouraged” (Trueman 1). After this change was implemented, they saw their soldiers looked healthier and fought better. The soldiers’ efforts and health were of great importance to Rome because they fought to expand the empire and were part of the reason that the Roman empire was so successful. The Roman military was able to be successful because they knew that water and its cleanliness was important. “Although their focus was on maintaining a motivated and healthy army, their citizens benefited as well” (Nordqvist 1) Since the Romans were concerned with the quality of their water, they became healthier and stronger and were able to minimize the spread of