the Aqueduct
How the Roman Aqueduct worked
The Romans made a system of channels and bridges to carry water into Rome. The roof on it protected it from garbage and contamination. When the aqueducts reached the city they were emptied into 3 holding tanks. One was for drinking fountains, the second for baths, and the third one was for wealthy people which went directly to homes. The Romans cut tunnels through mountains and went through valleys on a line of arches. About 160 million gallons of water was delivered to Rome.
Snedden, Robert. Ancient Rome. Smart Apple Media, 2009 page 14
Photo: Roman Aqueduct over Gard River. QT Luong. 2009. Web. 31 Jan. 2014
How the Romans designed the Aqueduct
The Romans made the Aqueducts out of stone, brick, and volcanic cement. Out of the 260 miles of the Aqueduct system, only 30 miles were arched structures. Most of the waterways were underground. They relied on gravity for the flow of water. When the water flow was interrupted by valleys, they would use the elevated arches so that the water could continue to flow at a downward slope.
Heaton, Chris. Roman Empire. UNRV History. 2013. Web. 31 Jan. 2014
Importance of the Aqueduct
Why does it matter? It made life for the ancient Romans a lot easier since they no longer had to haul water. It also made things more sanitary since sewage was carried away by the Aqueducts.
How did it affect the world? The design and engineering of the Roman Aqueducts influenced the way other people designed their plumbing systems. Their system was so advanced that it wasn't until modern times that people improved on it.