Aqua Marcia, Roman aqueduct in Parco degli Acquedotti, Italy
Aqua Marcia is a Roman aqueduct that transported water from springs in the Anio Valley over roughly 90 kilometers to Rome. It combined underground channels with elevated arch structures to deliver drinking water to the city.
Construction began in 144 BC under the praetor Quintus Marcius Rex and was financed through funds Rome gained from military campaigns. Completion of the system marked a turning point in the city's water supply.
The name honors Quintus Marcius Rex, the Roman praetor who oversaw its construction. Visitors see today the distinctive arches that carried water across the landscape, serving as a visible symbol of Roman engineering knowledge.
The best place to explore the visible structures is the Parco degli Acquedotti, where visitors can see the arches up close and often walk or cycle through. The park sits slightly outside the center, so plan extra time for travel and exploration.
The system was notable for its height: some arch sections rose about 30 meters high, showing the boldness of Roman builders. This elevation allowed water to travel over valleys and uneven ground without requiring massive underground tunnels.
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