The archæology of Rome, Part 8

by John Henry Parker

B. The Loch for the Branch.

The Aqua Julia at this point, which is about four miles from Rome, is just underground, and this loch and branch to supply the Villa was discovered about 1850 by Signor Moraldi, when he was making a map of the Aqua Marcia, with a view to having it brought again into use; which has since been done, but by a different line.—To save carrying it so far round as the old aqueduct was carried (in order to avoid the mouths of the many streams that run into the river Anio), the modern engineers used metal pipes in this part. Above Tivoli they built a stone specus after the old fashion, as in that stone country they found it the cheapest and the best plan. They now say they regret that they did not continue the stone specus over the level Campagna also, as the metal pipes are continually bursting from the force of the water. Previous to this discovery of Signor Moraldi, it was not known that there were lochs in the aqueducts, though it is obvious that when branches had to be taken from them, such an arrangement would be required. The Tepula and the Marcia are underground in this part. The Julia, being the uppermost of the three, was close to the surface. This was also the case on the side of the great agger of Servius Tullius near the railway station, where the Julia only was excavated, with two cippi, on which were inscriptions stating that the three aqueducts passed there.

Plate VIII.

Aqueducts and River Almo, near the Porta Furba.

VIII.

THE AQUEDUCTS AND RIVER ALMO, NEAR THE PORTA FURBA.

A. Plan at a Crossing.

B. Plan and Section at another point.

C. Plan and Section in the Quarry at the Albergo de’ Spiriti.