Naumachia Augusti, Artificial lake in Trastevere, Italy
Naumachia Augusti was a large rectangular basin on the right bank of the Tiber in Trastevere designed to hold water spectacles for thousands of spectators. The Aqua Alsietina aqueduct supplied the water, and the basin reached a depth of about 1.5 meters (5 feet).
Emperor Augustus ordered this arena built in 2 BCE to stage dramatic recreations of historic naval battles for the public. The impressive shows made it a popular destination for Roman audiences for generations to come.
The basin hosted water shows where Roman citizens watched elaborate mock naval battles that displayed the empire's maritime strength. These events attracted thousands of spectators and were among the city's most popular forms of entertainment.
The site is located in Trastevere and accessible from the right bank of the Tiber, though very few remains are visible today. Visitors should know that the original structure lies beneath modern buildings and this is more of an archaeological concept than a walkable monument.
The basin contained an artificial island connected by a bridge that once displayed the largest tree trunk ever seen in Rome during Emperor Tiberius's reign. This unusual feature turned the site into a place of wonder and showcased the ingenuity of Roman builders.
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