Ancient Water, Modern Cities: Mapping and Chemical Analysis of Water Samples from the Aqua Traiana Aqueduct System, Rome, Italy

Keywords: Water, Roman Empire, aqueducts, water chemistry, climate change
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

The Roman aqueducts are one of the greatest engineering feats of the ancient world, supplying cities across the Roman Empire with fresh water and bathing systems. Roman aqueducts and their modern-day successors, the Aqua Traiana and Aqua Virgo now named the Acqua Vergine, still provide fresh water to the city of Rome, a time frame spanning over 2000 years. The iconic Trevi Fountain, for example, is fed only by water from the Acqua Vergine. This research seeks to assess the aqueduct water quality and chemical composition to identify how water management systems can persist over millennia and affect the societies of today. Based on previous study methods in the Beach Lab Group this research will use mixed methods of lab research combing GIS modeling with wet lab chemical analyses on samples collected from key points of the aqueducts. Understanding the evolution of water management systems in the changing composition of the city of Rome can test resiliency across extensive periods of human occupation, political upheaval, and environmental change. In 2017 the public water fountains in Rome were shut off for the first time in history due to dangerously low water levels in Lake Bracciano. Globally, millions of people are experiencing water stress and significant changes in water availability for human consumption, agriculture, and energy production as a result of climate change. Understanding the water systems of ancient complex societies that still support modern populations can inform improved assessments of water systems in other regions.