Technology in the Ancient World: The History and Lasting Impacts of Roman Aqueducts

Of the many technological advancements made in the ancient classical world, one of the most impactful creations is that of the aqueduct. First created in the ancient Middle East, aqueducts, which derive their name from the Latin terms aqua and ductus, literally conduct of water, were adopted, and refined by the Romans, who took them from hillside tunnels used for irrigation and transformed them into grandiose and elaborate structures. These structures brought water to farmers and politicians alike. Roman aqueducts not only served a functional purpose but also captured an innovative Roman design with their keystone arches, giving an aesthetically pleasing design that also allowed for more extensive use. From the earliest agricultural societies who plowed channels from the river to the crops, to the industrial and complex pipes lining our homes and streets, the aqueduct has undergone centuries of evolution to become the system we know and rely on today. Alongside the ease of irrigation, aqueducts supplied cities with drinking water, the later installation of public latrines, and, through waterwheels, the aqueducts could push water into and through the canals for distribution. The invention of such a system allowed Rome to thrive where other cities fell and provided them with a unique and very important legacy. Without the aqueducts of the Romans, the plumbing of today would not exist. This paper aims to understand how the Roman aqueduct came to be, and how its invention has led to our modern plumbing and irrigation systems.