By 144 B.C, aqueducts were developed to bring water to Rome. The Romans struggled for years developing a cement that would not dissolve in the water; their result was hydraulic cement. By creating cement, the Romans were able to build bigger aqueducts; hence more water was supplied to Rome.
At that time, Rome had four aqueducts- The Appia, Anio Vertus, Marcia, and Tepula. All of these were deperate for repair and the newest of all of them was about a century old. Not only were the aquaducts old, the population of Rome was growing rapidly and they needed to build a better water supply.
As for the construction of aquaducts.They were constructed by a cut and cover method- This is where a trench would be dug, the channel lined with stone, or concrete, closed on top with corboled or flat slabs and then covered over with earth. This had its advantages in that it was simpler and less costly structure and also less likely to be attacked by enemies.
The ruler of Rome felt building a better aquaduct would mean political victory, and he would hold his place on the throne. The new aquaduct ended up being called Julia. |
