For a recent class in Roman Technology, Archaeology & Classics students went underground to examine the infrastructure of the Aqueduct Traiana, dating from 109 AD, and the Baths of Caracalla from 216 AD.
Exploring ancient waterways
The aqueduct is just a 10-minute walk from the AUR campus, underneath The American Academy of Rome. With special permission, Professor Jens Koehler led his class into the academy and downstairs to the basement. On the floor, students noticed a golden line inscribed “AQUA TRAIANO.” The line runs west to east through the lecture hall as well, showing visitors the real location of the aqueduct under their feet. For the students, the line led to an open man hole with a ladder going down. “Watch your heads”, said Professor Koehler as the students descended and ducked under the tunnel’s 6-foot (1.9m) ceiling.
Now dry, the tunnel reveals the Roman’s intricate masonry work, including waterproof cement made from crushed brick and tile. White lines on the walls show the calcium deposits left by water over the centuries.
The professor explained how, through gravity alone, the water flowed on a long, slow grade from Lake Bracciano, 35 miles (57 km) away, into the city. It was the 10th aqueduct to be built in Rome, taking its name from Emperor Trajan. The section accessible under the Academy is just 147 feet (45 meters).
Back in the Academy’s courtyard, students examined another aqueduct relic – an ancient mill stone used to grind wheat for bread. Water from aqueducts served not only public baths, latrines, fountains, and private houses, but also industry, mining, farms, and gardens. Some are still in use today. After the academy, students walked to the nearby Il Fontanone (“the big fountain”) built by Pope Paul V in 1610 to mark the endpoint of the Acqua Paola aqueduct.
From ancient baths to modern spa
During the reigns of Emperors Septimius Severus and Caracalla, a huge public bathing complex was built, conveniently within walking distance to the city’s major entertainment venues, The Colosseum and Circus Maximus. AUR students were given special access to go underneath the baths to examine what is left of the plumbing system. They peered into a fireplace – as big as a one-car garage and once attached to a metal boiler -- which heated the water for the “calidarium.”
“It was dangerous job for the slaves” said Professor Koehler, “keeping those fires lit.”
The baths also contained the ruins of a bakery where bathers could pick up their daily loaf and a temple for worship to the Roman god Mithras.
Using a little imagination, it was easy to see that today’s modern spas owe a great deal to the Ancient Romans.
Back in class, students are constructing models of the surveying tools and engineering principles they learned as part of their final projects.
