Aqua Julia, Roman aqueduct in Rome, Italy
Aqua Julia is a Roman aqueduct in Rome that ran through the countryside using both underground passages and raised arches. The system relied on gravity to move water across varying elevations from its source to the city.
The aqueduct was built in 33 BC under Augustus and served as Rome's fifth water supply system. It emerged during a period when the city was expanding its infrastructure significantly.
The distribution network supplied water to multiple Roman districts including the Caelian, Forum Romanum, and Palatine through channels and siphons.
Visitors can see remains of the aqueduct today at various points throughout the Roman countryside, where the structure protrudes from the ground or survives as ruins. The best views come from elevated areas where the arches are most visible.
The water source originated near Grottaferrata, where several springs converged into a catch basin before beginning their long journey through the landscape. This collection point was crucial for ensuring sufficient water reached the expanding city.
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