The Waters of Rome

This book was re-tagged after reading to add Technology, and what impressive technology the Roman Empire created for water supply and drainage, still, as Morton details in the book, essentially unchanged and in daily use. The civil projects and gifts of the early Caesars and Popes to the city of Rome; the aqueducts piping, distribution centers and settling tanks are nearly all still in use. The actual organizational structure of the ‘Water Board’ of Rome differs so little from the original that the job title of Morton’s guide was the same, as were his usual duties!

Of the actual fountains, the author’s descriptions and histories are wonderfully enhanced by full-color plates and many photographs. There are several maps showing the show more water and fountains system of Rome and this is a book that perhaps would be best appreciated if the reader was actually visiting the city and could visit the fountains and follow Morton’s routes. show less

A largely factual account of the water supply in Rome in medieval and modern times. However the subject is more fascinating than it appears and there are some wonderful illustrations of fountains, many of them in colour.