Claudio Aqueduct

The Aqua Claudia, also known as the Claudio Aqueduct, is one of the most imposing and technologically advanced aqueducts of ancient Rome. Its construction began in 38 AD under the emperor Caligula and was completed by the emperor Claudius in 52 AD. This aqueduct, which stretched for about 69 kilometers, including about 16 kilometers on viaducts and arches, was essential for the water supply of the eternal city. The starting point of the Aqua Claudia were the sources of Caerulueus and Curtius, located in the upper Aniene valley. These sources were known for the purity of their waters, surpassed only by that of the Aqua Marcia. The collected water was transported through a complex system of underground and elevated channels to Rome, where it supplied fountains, baths, and private residences. The aqueduct’s route was an impressive engineering feat, characterized by a construction in “opus quadratum”, a technique that involved the use of non-uniform stone blocks, mainly peperino, red tuff, and travertine. This technique ensured a solid structure capable of withstanding the test of time and natural elements. One of the most spectacular sections of the Aqua Claudia is visible in the Parco degli Acquedotti, an area that still preserves numerous original arches. Here, the aqueduct reaches heights ranging from 17 to 27.40 meters, with piers spaced about 5.50 meters apart and arches extending for about 6 meters. This section, with its suggestive play of light and shadow, offers a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Roman engineering. The water distribution system of the Aqua Claudia was equally sophisticated. The water was collected in large rectangular cisterns located near Porta Maggiore and then distributed to 92 secondary “castles”, which further distributed it throughout the urban area. This system ensured a constant and controlled supply of water, essential for the needs of Rome’s growing population. Over the centuries, the aqueduct has undergone numerous restoration and maintenance interventions. Among the most significant are those carried out by the emperor Vespasian in 71 AD and his son Titus in 81 AD, as attested by the inscriptions found on the attic of Porta Maggiore. Other restorations were carried out during the reigns of Trajan, Hadrian, and the Severans, and in later periods, up to the late empire and the Middle Ages. However, in modern times, many parts of the aqueduct have been dismantled to reuse the stone blocks in the construction of other structures. An interesting aspect of Roman aqueduct technology was the use of the inverted siphon, which allowed water to cross valleys by descending and ascending opposite slopes under the effect of pressure and gravity. This system, together with arched bridges that reduced the height of descents and ascents, demonstrates the ingenuity of Roman engineers in overcoming geographical challenges.