The aqueduct of the Roman town Salona – Croatia

What is it about?

This paper presents a study of the Aqueduct of Salona, capital of the Roman province Dalmatia, built in the 1st century BC. The aqueduct once transported water from the Jadro River spring, situated approximately 3 km east of the city. Even though it was built for a city of 15 ha in size, two centuries later it succeeded in managing the supply and demand of water for a city of 73 ha. In the 7th century Salona was destroyed by the Avars and Slavs, and consequently, the aqueduct ceased to function. Due to intensive exploitation of marlstone and uncontrolled 20th century urbanization, some of the aqueduct’s sections have been destroyed. Research on Salona and its aqueduct started as early as the mid-19th century, however, the aqueduct and its route have never been systematically explored until 2014–2015. This paper provides the results and findings of the latest research including the following: the route of the aqueduct, its longitudinal profile, capacity and typical cross-sections, and the method of construction in different terrain conditions. The channel was built in the usual manner in accordance with the practice of Roman builders, using local materials.

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Why is it important?

This paper gives a review of route, capacity, sections, technical and construction elements and particularities of roman aqueduct of city Salona built in 1st. c. BC. These elements and data may be used for further analyses and comparison of contemporary roman aqueducts as well as basis for today's sustainable water supply planning.

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