Streets and Water
Streets
Much of our understanding of Roman city streets is derived from Pompeii.
Paving stones were particularly well fitted together, with gaps less than 3mm.
Stepping stones allowed people to cross the road.
Ruts were cut during construction to guide carts and chariots between the kerbs.
The articulated front axle had not been invented so vehicles were difficult to manoeuver.
The kerbs were higher than today's, mainly because the streets were regularly flooded to wash dust and debris away.
Note that all Roman vehicles had the same track width.
Water
Water flowed up a lead pipe in the vertical duct of a water tower to find its free level in a tank at the top of the tower.
The water was then piped to local houses and fountains through smaller lead pipes.
The pressure required to force the water to the top of the towers was produced by the pressure of the incoming water which entered Pompeii from an aqueduct at the Vesuvius Gate, Pompeii's highest point.
Much of our understanding of Roman city streets is derived from Pompeii.
Paving stones were particularly well fitted together, with gaps less than 3mm.
Stepping stones allowed people to cross the road.
Ruts were cut during construction to guide carts and chariots between the kerbs.
The articulated front axle had not been invented so vehicles were difficult to manoeuver.
The kerbs were higher than today's, mainly because the streets were regularly flooded to wash dust and debris away.
Note that all Roman vehicles had the same track width.
Water
Water flowed up a lead pipe in the vertical duct of a water tower to find its free level in a tank at the top of the tower.
The water was then piped to local houses and fountains through smaller lead pipes.
The pressure required to force the water to the top of the towers was produced by the pressure of the incoming water which entered Pompeii from an aqueduct at the Vesuvius Gate, Pompeii's highest point.