Aqueduct Inspiration

            Saturday was a wet, rainy, cold day. The wind was blowing and all the trees were swaying. The air smelled of fresh autumn leaves and oak trees. Most importantly, the rain was pouring down from the sky in small sizes like tear drops. In some places, the rain created shallow puddles that could show a reflection if you stared right into it.  As I stood outside I observed, and saw that even though the rain was pouring heavily, it had a place to run. There were drains for the water to run into and that water was carried away. Where did these drains come from? Who inspired these drains? When was the idea of water having a place to run created?  All the answers to these questions I later discovered in the seminar class with Mr. Dundov.

 

           The Roman Aqueducts.  I learned that the Aqueducts were created to carry away waste and disease. The Aqueducts were also created to supply clean water to the people and to solve the problem of supplying water to crops. The aqueducts were created from a combination of stone, brick, and volcanic cement. Despite the fact that visible structures have left quite an impression on viewers many of the aqueducts were underground, similar to our drainage systems today. Only 30 miles of aqueducts are visible arch structures. Gravity was a key factor in making sure that water traveled at the right angle and speed. Once the water reached Rome it flowed into large reservoirs. The reservoirs could be utilized by everyone; they served as a city resource. The water in the reservoir was used for public baths, water fountains, and private villas. Water was transported to these locations through pipes that ran underground in the city.  Additionally, a major part in the functioning of the aqueducts was the maintenance. The labor upkeep was done by slaves there was also a Curator. The Curator maintained the aqueducts. Today the Trevi-fountain is still fed by aqueduct water. The Proserpina dam still feeds farmers crop's today. Here in America we have drainage and sewage systems throughout the entire country. The inspiration of the great engineering of Roman aqueducts has carried on and plays a major role in the functioning of our society today just as they did during the time of ancient Rome.

 

                              Taylor Mitchell