Barbegal aqueduct and mills, Roman archaeological site in Fontvieille, France
The archaeological complex contains two parallel rows of eight water wheels descending a hillside, connected to aqueducts that supplied water from the Alpilles.
Constructed in the second century AD, the Barbegal mills operated for approximately 200 years, producing flour to feed the population of ancient Arles.
The industrial technology developed at Barbegal influenced medieval Cistercian methods of water power usage and contributed to future milling innovations.
The site lies 12 kilometers from Arles, with parking available at Route de L'Aqueduc, requiring a 250-meter walk through olive groves.
The facility processed 4.5 tons of flour daily through its system of 16 water wheels, marking the largest mechanical power concentration in classical antiquity.
Location: Arles
Location: Fontvieille
GPS coordinates: 43.70250,4.72139
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:39
The ancient structures transported water across valleys and plains using gravity. Built by Roman and Ottoman engineers, these aqueducts stand up to 50 meters tall, crossing valleys on multiple levels of stone arches. The structures supplied cities with fresh water from distant springs and rivers.
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