Roman Aqueducts and Water Supply (Duckworth Archaeology) (Duckworth Archaeology)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 512 pages
• Published by: Duckworth Publishers
• Edition: 2nd Edition November 12, 2002
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0715631713
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0715631713
• Book Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Weighs: 2 pounds

Reader Reviews
This book will appeal to two kinds of people: those who have engineering or technical backgrounds, and those who don't. My wife is in the second category. She found the history and details of the water supply gave a fascinating window into ordinary life in Roman times. The problem that every civilization must solve, obtaining and distributing potable water, solved in a characteristically Roman manner by efficient public construction. As an engineer, I became fascinated with the technical knowledge and skills demonstrated. Both civil engineering and hydraulic engineering expertise, achieving fine results with crude instruments. We marvel at Roman stonework, but keeping a constant slope over several kilometers is more technically difficult. I found that much of what one knows about aqueducts isn't true. Siphons to cross valleys, instead of more costly and difficult bridges. Manholes at frequent intervals, for manually cleaning out limestone deposits, the bane of the system. Concrete and polished hydraulic cement. Who knew? While the topics are technical, the writing is clear and self-explanatory, and the text is profusely illustrated. As long as you remember that water runs downhill, you'll be technically comfortable. The text follows the downhill flow of the water through the system, from the lakes or springs, to the cities, to the baths and fountains, to the sewers. My major complaint is poor availability. Despite Amazon's current (August '05) "normally 3 to 5 weeks" to ship, I've now waited over thirty days for my second copy, and have been advised of at least another thirty day delay. My emailed enquiry to the publisher went unanswered. I want to share this book with friends, but not my copy. "There are two kinds of fools: those who lend books, and those who return them." So, order yours now. Maybe you'll get it by Christmas. Enjoy! Comment | | (Report this)