Water Transport Strategies in Historic Rome

Water Transport Strategies in Historic Rome Rome’s very first raised aqueduct, Aqua Anio Vetus, was built in 273 BC; prior to that, residents residing at higher elevations had to rely on local springs for their water. When aqueducts or springs weren’t accessible, people dwelling at greater elevations turned to water pulled from underground or rainwater, which was made available by wells and cisterns. Starting in the sixteenth century, a newer strategy was introduced, using Acqua Vergine’s subterranean segments to deliver water to Pincian Hill. Pozzi, or manholes, were made at regular stretches along the aqueduct’s channel. Whilst these manholes were provided to make it much easier to manage the aqueduct, it was also feasible to use buckets to remove water from the channel, which was employed by Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi from the time he bought the property in 1543 to his passing in 1552. The cistern he had made to gather rainwater wasn’t adequate to meet his water requirements. That is when he decided to create an access point to the aqueduct that ran beneath his property.

Bernini’s Early Italian Water Fountains

Bernini’s Early Italian Water Fountains Bernini’s Early Italian Water Fountains 5157990930110.jpg

One can see Bernini's very first masterpiece, the Barcaccia water fountain, at the foot of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. Roman locals and site seers who appreciate conversation as well as being the company of others still flood this spot. Today, the city streets around Bernini's fountain are a trendy place where people go to gather, something which the artist would have been pleased to learn. In about 1630, the great artist designed the very first fountain of his career at the behest of Pope Ubano VIII. Illustrated in the fountain's design is a large vessel slowly sinking into the Mediterranean Sea. According to 16th century documents, a great flood of the Tevere covered the entire area in water, an event which was commemorated by the eye-catching fountain. Absenting himself from Italy only once in his life for a prolonged period of time, in 1665 Bernini voyaged to France.