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El Acueducto de Segovia<\/h1>\n
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By Rachel Emanuel<\/p>\n
Quito, Ecuador<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.7″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
The security of a country depends on its access to fresh water. No group of humans could ever hope to thrive without a reliable source for drinking, farming, and daily life. The ancient Roman Empire was no exception.<\/p>\n
Engineers built 11 elaborate aqueducts to carry fresh water into the city of Rome. Across the lands the Romans occupied, they created similar systems to supply towns and settlements. One of the most famous and best-preserved examples is the Aqueduct of Segovia,\u00a0Spain<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Construction and Engineering\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n No one knows the exact date of the aqueduct\u2019s construction. The inscription that once appeared near the top has been lost over time. Many historians believe it was completed in the first or early second century CE, when this part of Spain was under Roman rule.<\/p>\n The magnificence of the aqueduct lies in how simply it was built. The visible part stretches more than 2,667 feet (800 meters) through the city. The original system carried water from the nearby mountains over a much longer route, probably about 15 kilometers. More than 20,000 massive granite blocks were joined together without mortar or clamps. Instead, the stones were cut and balanced so carefully that their own weight helped hold the arches in place.<\/p>\n The water moved by gravity, flowing gently downhill from the mountains toward Segovia. This may sound easy, but it required careful planning. If the slope was too steep, the rushing current could damage the channel. If it was too flat, the flow could come to a halt.<\/p>\n The aqueduct carried water to Segovia for centuries. Today, it is no longer used as the city\u2019s water supply, but it remains one of its most important landmarks. Pollution, weather, leaks, and vibrations from traffic have all created conservation challenges.<\/p>\n Dimensions<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The most famous part of the aqueduct is the section that crosses the city, with its 166 arches arranged in two rows. Its height changes across this span, reaching about 93.5 feet (28.5 meters) at its tallest point. During the reign of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in the late 15th century, 36 arches were rebuilt in the original Roman style.<\/p>\n It is easy to understand why this structure is at the top of the must-see list for visitors to Segovia, and why such care is taken to preserve it. With its combination of beauty and utility, the aqueduct is a unique marvel of ancient engineering that still feels modern.<\/p>\n Have a suggestion for this story? We\u2019d love for you to\u00a0submit it<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Spain-GMS-Segovia_from-the-top-600×400-1.png” alt=”View along an ancient stone aqueduct with repeating arches overlooking a historic city and surrounding landscape” title_text=”Spain GMS Segovia_from the top (600×400)” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Spain-GMS-Segovia_from-ground-level-600×400-1.png” alt=”Ancient Roman aqueduct with rows of stone arches against a clear blue sky” title_text=”Spain GMS Segovia_from ground level (600×400)” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.7″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Blank” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none; ” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Blank<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Slideshow” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Are you a teacher who\u2019s interested in telling this story to your students? Here\u2019s a slideshow to get you started!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Math Resources” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Learning Activity:<\/p>\n Sample Problems:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Social Justice Questions” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Explore Further” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Share Your Story” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GMS-Spain-Segovia_-close-up-600x400-1.png\")
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