26
THIS IS PLUMBING
Plumbing discovery reveals
the rise and fall of the
Roman Empire
The ancient Roman plumbing system was a legendary
achievement in civil engineering, bringing fresh water to
urbanites from hundreds of kilometres away.
By Eamonn Ryan
Wealthy Romans had hot and cold running
water, as well as a sewage system that whisked
waste away. Then, about 2 200 years ago, the
waterworks got an upgrade: the discovery of lead
pipes (called fistulae in Latin) meant the entire
system could be expanded dramatically. A new
study has revealed that the city's lead plumbing
infrastructure was at its largest and most
complicated during the centuries leading up to the
empire's peak.
Put simply: more lead in a layer would mean more
water flowing through lead pipes. Though this lead
probably didn't harm ocean wildlife, it did leave a clear
signature behind.
Dating the core sediments revealed a surprisingly detailed
record of Rome’s expansion over several centuries of
development between 200 BCE and 250 CE. Examining
the core from Ostia, the researchers found a sudden influx
of lead in 200 BCE, when aqueducts made of stone and
wood gave way to lead pipe. In later layers, the researchers
found a mix of lead with different isotopic compositions.
This suggests water was flowing into the harbour from a
wide variety of lead pipes, crafted from leads of different
ages and provenances.
The very existence of the pipe system was a sign
of Rome's fantastic wealth and power. Most lead in
Rome came from distant colonies in today's France,
Germany, England, and Spain, which meant the Empire
needed an extensive trade network to build out its water
infrastructure. Plus, the cost of maintenance was huge.
All pipes were recycled, but the city still had to repair
underground leaks, check water source quality, and
prevent the massive aqueducts from crumbling.
Writings by the first century CE Roman water
commissioner, Julius Frontinus, reveal rampant water
piracy, in which people would tap the aqueducts illegally
for agricultural use – or just for drinking. Because it was
The port of Portus.
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November 2019 Volume 25 I Number 9