The archæology of Rome, Part 8 : $b The aqueductsParker, John Henry
History
The archæology of Rome, Part 8 : $b The aqueducts
Parker, John Henry
Rome -- Antiquities
Source of the Aqua Appia, in a very ancient Stone-quarry of the time of
the Kings, in the meadows on the bank of the river Anio, formerly called
the meadows of Lucullus. They are not far from Lunghezza, the site of
the ancient city of Collatium. This cave has two springs of water in it,
and the two streams meet at the mouth of the cave in a channel, which is
at first open at the top, and crosses the low meadow with the appearance
of a ditch only, to a central reservoir, also in a cave, from which the
tunnel _specus_ begins that runs on, into and through Rome. Three streams
meet at the same central reservoir, and their united water goes through
the _specus_. Each _specus_ can be traced by the line of bushes in the
meadows, each bush being over one of the wells; these descend at regular
intervals into the _specus_. These wells are also called respirators or
ventilators, as they give air to the current of water, or as the people
say, enable it to breathe. This cave is easily overlooked, and any person
passing on the higher ground over it, is almost sure not to see it. It
is scarcely visible until close to it. The ancient quarry from which it
comes is earlier than others in the neighbourhood. The celebrated Caves
of Cervaro are also ancient quarries; they are about a mile from this
point, and although very early, are not quite so early as this, which is
more distant from the river Anio. It seems probable that this was one
of the quarries for the city of Collatium, before the time of Servius
Tullius.
PLATE II.
[Illustration: AQUEDUCTS—SOURCE OF AQUA APPIA.
ANCIENT QUARRY OF THE KINGS.]
SOURCE OF ANOTHER SPRING OF THE AQUA APPIA, in another ancient stone
quarry on the bank of the river Anio. This is one of a fine series of
ancient quarries, now caves, about a mile higher up the river than the
Caves of Cervaro. These are believed to have been the quarries from
which the large blocks of tufa for the walls of the Kings of Rome were
taken, especially the great wall of Servius Tullius, which was a mile
long, fifty feet high, and in some parts twelve feet thick, and which
would require an enormous quantity of stone. This was probably floated
down the Anio on wooden rafts, which served for timber also. The pool at
the source of this spring appears as if it came from the water dripping
through the rock above, which serves for a roof; but the old shepherds,
who have watched it for years, say that the water never fails, and that
it is a natural spring, although the quantity of stone refuse thrown into
it makes it impossible to see exactly where it rises. These caves are
extremely picturesque, more so even than the Caves of Cervaro, though
these are the favourite resort of the German artists in their annual
festival.
PLATE III.
1. THE AQUEDUCTS ABOVE SUBIACO.
2. RIVER ANIO, THE UPPER LOCHS.
—— THE THIRD LOCH AND THE BRIDGE.
[Illustration: AQUEDUCTS ABOVE SUBIACO
RIVER ANIO THE UPPER LOCHS
THE THIRD LOCH AND THE BRIDGE]
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