Meta Sudans, large monumental conical fountain in ancient Rome
Meta Sudans is a fountain in Rome that once stood near the Colosseum. The structure was a cone-shaped fountain made of brick and tufa, constructed in the 1st century and recognizable by its distinctive conical tower design.
The Meta Sudans was built in the 1st century under Emperor Domitian and served as a landmark in ancient Rome. It was destroyed in late antiquity, and its remains were demolished in 1936 to make way for Mussolini's urban plans.
The site of the Meta Sudans is located today in an archaeological park near the Colosseum and is easy to visit while exploring the area. The remains are quite minimal, with only foundations visible, so an informational marker helps you understand what once stood here.
The name Meta Sudans comes from its function: the fountain sweated or trickled water from thousands of tiny openings rather than flowing in large jets. This unusual design made it a visual spectacle and helped distribute water across much of the Forum.
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