The Ancients Roman Aqueducts
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Aug 14, 2025 Dr. Duncan Keenan-Jones, a Professor at the University of Manchester and an expert in Roman aqueducts, joins to discuss these monumental feats of engineering. He explains how aqueducts transformed urban life by supplying water to baths, homes, and temples, fueling the growth of cities. They delve into construction techniques and the ingenious design behind structures like the Pont du Gard. The conversation also highlights the socio-political impact of water supply management in ancient Rome, showcasing how these innovations shaped the empire's legacy.
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Gravity-Driven Networks
- Roman aqueducts used gentle, consistent downhill gradients to move water by gravity from springs or rivers to towns.
- They combined tunnels, underground channels and bridgeworks to keep water flowing without pumps.
Shallow Slope, Big Skill
- Romans typically aimed for a very shallow gradient of about 40 cm per kilometre in aqueducts.
- This shallow slope and precise surveying distinguished Roman systems from earlier precedents.
Practical Prestige
- Aqueducts served practical needs but also acted as prestige projects for builders and politicians.
- Appius Claudius built the Aqua Appia partly to secure his name and legacy in Rome.
