The Roman Aqueduct in Patras

The excavations in the Roman city of Patras revealed several wells that serve domestic needs but also a well-organized system with underground water pipes and running water, and fountains still fed in private homes. The water reached the city through the Roman aqueduct, covering approximately 7.5 km course. On the southeastern outskirts of the ancient citadel, which ended the aqueduct, the water is shared underground ducts and branches in the city. The ambitious and vital this project, which of course would also be costly, probably built by Emperor Hadrian in the early second century. AD


The water ran from its source cheimarropotamou Diakoniaris in its current location Neromanna Romanos, where the first remains of the building. Characteristic is the fact that the present city of Patras carry water from the same sources. From there follows a difficult path downward through hills and canyons to reach after a long way in today's Aroe just behind the ancient Acropolis. In most of the route the pipeline was underground, mainly smooth and downhill slopes of the hills, and had a large diameter and was vaulted. The remaining sections, especially in canyons and where the height differences should be bridged for the smooth downhill path of water were created energies high arches, above which the pipeline passed. The aboveground parts are built-preserved in some areas to their original height and length sufficient to allow us to form the image of an impressive project.


By Anastasia Theodoropoulou