Constructed within the early first century BC throughout the Augustan period in Naples, Italy, the “Aqua Augusta” is likely one of the largest and most refined aqueducts within the Roman Empire. Now, a beforehand unknown part of the ‘Aqua Augusta’ aqueduct has elicited pleasure from each archaeologists and historians.
The Aqua Augusta provided potable consuming water from the Serino springs on the Campanian Apennines, which is the principle spring space of the karst aquifer within the Terminio massif (Southern Italy). Regardless of its historic significance, the Aqua Augusta stays one of many least researched and comprehended aqueducts from the Roman period. And as such, the misplaced tunnel has hit immediately’s headlines.
The Longest Stretch of the Aqua Augusta
Constructed by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, a detailed buddy and son-in-law of the Roman emperor Augustus, the Aqua Augusta measures round 90 miles (145 kms) and it was the longest aqueduct within the Roman world for over 400 years. Operating from the Posillipo hill, an prosperous residential quarter of Naples, to the crescent-shaped island of Nisida, the rediscovered part of the Aqua August is roughly 640 meters (2,100 ft) in size, representing the longest recognized stretch found up to now.
Regardless of its historic significance, till now the Aqua Augusta had acquired restricted consideration from researchers. The newfound section of the Aqua Augusta, nonetheless, was recognized by the Cocceius Association , a non-profit group specializing in speleo-archaeological work, the Extraordinary Commissioner for the Reclamation of Bagnoli, and Invitalia.
Speleologists discover the Aqua Augusta, a Roman aqueduct that was beforehand the least-documented aqueduct within the Roman world. ( Associazione Cocceius )
Truths Buried in Myths
The invention of this stretch of the Aqua Augusta got here from a collection of tales from native residents who claimed that they had explored the tunnels as kids. These stories had all the time been written off as legendary, however now, based on a report in Arkeonews, the invention “highlights the importance of preserving native information and folklore,” in addition to the function of neighborhood engagement within the discovery and preservation of historical websites.
The Aqua Augusta comprised ten branches of water which provided city facilities and rich villas with water. The newly found part of the Aqua Augusta is described as being in “excellent” condition in contrast with the various crumbling underground water tunnels in Italy. And because of this, the newly found part affords archaeologists the chance to review what’s considered one of “the best-preserved” sections of a Roman aqueduct anyplace in Italy.
A Library of Historical Engineering
The principle tunnel measures between 52 cm (20.47 in) and 70 cm (27.55 in) broad, and is 64 cm (25.19 in) excessive. It has a hydraulic plaster coating lined by a thick layer of limestone on the base of the piers. On account of surveying errors Agrippa’s builders didn’t observe essentially the most direct path, and the principle tunnel hit some obstacles alongside its course. Nevertheless, the whole size of the aqueduct is accessible and each part shows a bunch of historical engineering strategies.
View contained in the newly rediscovered part of the Aqua Augusta. ( Scintilena)
The uncovering of this new section of the Aqua Augusta not solely affords insights into ancient Roman engineering and development strategies, however it additionally info on the cultural and social significance of the aqueduct, and its function within the on a regular basis lives of the traditional Roman folks.
This discovery serves not solely as a reminder of the worth of native tales, but additionally the significance of preserving and defending our cultural heritage, in addition to the function of community engagement within the discovery and protection of historical websites.
Prime Picture: Speleologists discover the Aqua Augusta, a Roman aqueduct that was beforehand the least-documented aqueduct within the Roman world. Supply: Associazione Cocceius
By Ashley Cowie