Castellum divisorium, Roman water distribution system in Nîmes, France
The castellum divisorium is a Roman water structure in Nîmes that received water from a distant spring and distributed it to different locations. The underground basin had multiple outlet openings to direct the flow where it was needed.
This facility was built in the first century and marked the endpoint of a large pipe system that brought water over considerable distances. It demonstrates how Romans already employed advanced techniques for water delivery.
This structure shows how Romans managed water distribution across the city to serve different neighborhoods. Today you can observe how the system operated and the role it played in daily city life.
You'll find this site near the city center of Nîmes and can visit it year-round. It is an outdoor archaeological location, so wet weather can make the ground slippery.
Inside the basin are ancient lead pipes and special drain holes at the bottom that allowed Romans to clean the system. These practical features reveal how thoughtfully Roman engineering was designed.
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