Definition of Aqueduct of Segovia

The ancient Romans were innovators in different areas, including the building of public works. In the Iberian Peninsula, ancient Hispania, is a sample of this. One of the most representative buildings is precisely the aqueduct of Segovia.

One of the best known monuments in Spain

It is not absolutely known when this work was built, but it is estimated that it was between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. C. Some historians affirm that the emperor Hadrian ordered it to be built and others maintain that it was Trajan.

In any case, it had a very specific purpose: to supply the city of Water potable.

Roman cities had to be supplied with water and for this purpose aqueducts were built so that the water reached the public fountains. Thus, citizens went to the fountains to obtain water for their homes. The aqueduct of Segovia carries the waters of the Fuenfría Spring, which is located 17 kilometers from the city.

The water reaches Segovia from a cistern known as El Caserón

Then it is led through a canal to a tower called Casa de Aguas. This tower allows accumulated sand to settle to the bottom. Then it runs for 700 meters with a slight incline. Then the water goes through an underground channel of about 1200 meters until it reaches the Alcazar.

For its construction the Romans used scaffolding and large lifting wheels that were moved by slaves.

With a system of pulleys the ashlars were raised and for their construction more than 20 granite stone blocks were used, the which remain united without any type of mortar (the base blocks are larger and decrease as ascend). The monument It has a maximum height of 28 meters and has 162 arches.

Some curiosities

The shield of the Province of Segovia includes the image of this monument. Segovia and its aqueduct were declared by UNESCO heritage of humanity in 1985. It is considered one of the great hydraulic works built during the Roman empire.

In the 11th century a part of the aqueduct was destroyed during the Muslim occupation, but in the 15th century it was rebuilt again.

The cars circulated under its arches until 1992 and today the largest threat that this monument suffers is the contamination.

As for the flow of water that it can carry, it is estimated that it ranges between 20 and 30 liters per second.

Other Roman buildings and monuments in Spain are the Theater de Mérida, the Tower of Hercules and the Vía de la Plata.

Photos: Fotolia - JackF / Cebreros

Themes in Aqueduct of Segovia