El Acueducto de Segovia

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.

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, Spain.

Construction and Engineering 

No one knows the exact date of the aqueduct’s 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.

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.

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.

The aqueduct carried water to Segovia for centuries. Today, it is no longer used as the city’s water supply, but it remains one of its most important landmarks. Pollution, weather, leaks, and vibrations from traffic have all created conservation challenges.

Dimensions

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.

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.

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