Roman Aqueducts Essay

Rome 2000 plus years ago was the world’s first megacity, and to this day still leaves an impression on civilizations worldwide. Many of their achievements can be attributed to their extensive education, military might and unifying political and social structure. Above anything else, they owe much of their progress to their highly advanced technology and engineering accomplishments. One of Rome’s great monumental architectural achievements are the aqueducts. “Over a period of 500 years-from 312 B.C.E. to 226 B.C.E. eleven aqueducts were critical to serving the Roman Empire clean water.” (Britannica) Roman aqueducts provided the citizens with potable water, introduced plumbing to a growing population all while inspiring future civilizations to
Rome’s population was believed to be near one million, demanding clean water became a concern for the citizens and the politicians of Rome. “Surrounding Rome were several springs and the Tiber river, but the water was notably unpalatable; water from the Tiber was badly affected by pollution and waterborne diseases. Appius Claudius Caecus was the ruler at the time and is credited for the construction of the Aqua Appia, Rome’s first aqueduct, bringing in water from the Sabine Hills.” (Britannica) Understanding the importance of the aqueduct, Ancient Romans wanted to keep their people healthy and clean. And they brought the water into many of their cities in vast quantities. Aqueducts spanning the countryside, for fifty miles or more, brought fresh drinking water by the millions of gallons daily. “Appius believed that water should be provided to its citizens freely. He ensured that the aqueducts would funnel water to the city’s center, supplying its public baths, forums, fountains, and even in some cases private households.” (Britannica) The abundance of water improved the quality of life for Rome’s citizens. Compared to most modern third world countries today, ancient Romans would be considered better off because of their advances in aqueducts and
Over the past 2000 years, aqueducts have been used by almost every culture throughout that time frame providing people fresh water. As Rome’s empire expanded throughout Europe, Northern Africa, and Southwest Asia, so did the elaborate aqueduct systems. Some of the most spectacular examples include the Pont du Gard in southern France and the Aqueduct of Segovia in the Spanish city of Segovia. These few standing aqueducts serve as a reminder of the territories that fell under Roman rule and the influence their technological advances had in the world. Since the first aqueduct was built in 315 B.C.E., they have undertaken a few modifications, but still, serve the same purpose as they did in early Rome. With the advancement of construction materials, pumps and compressors, aqueducts can move water and other liquids at a much faster