Segovia Aqueduct: How to cement a masterpiece into history (without the cement)...

Happy Friday folks,

We all know that Rome built some of the greatest wonders known to ancient man:

The Pantheon. Appian Way. Colosseum

But there was one Roman wonder in particular, that came head and shoulders above the rest... 🧵

The Segovia Aqueduct might just be the most outstanding example of Roman engineering outside Italy.

It was built almost 2,000 years ago and stretched for 17 kilometers (11 miles) from the mountains to the very heart of Segovia. The most iconic segment, which dominates the Plaza of Segovia, was probably the most impressive of the aqueduct.

This section alone contained 128 arches arranged in two separate levels.

But how was all of this (and more) actually built?

Well, we know that the granite blocks were quarried locally and then transported for construction using pulleys and winches. Even wooden scaffolding was erected to support the arches, allowing for precise placement of blocks.

Its design followed the principles of the Roman architect Vitruvius. Water was first collected in a tank known as El Caserón, then channeled to a second tower called the Casa de Aguas for natural decantation. From there, it traveled less than a kilometer before reaching the city, where it was distributed to various public baths, fountains and (notable) private homes.

This is what allowed Roman civilization to advance so quickly, alongside its culture. Those who had access to clean water would have leverage in social power, giving an upper hand to Rome.

Cementing the Romans into history…

The whole structure stands at an impressive 28.5 meters tall (at its highest point).

The aqueduct was to provide a continuous flow of fresh water to the city's inhabitants. To do this, the gradient had to be meticulously constructed at 1% over its entire length, ensuring a steady flow from the Frío River.

But most impressive above all is the fact that there is no kind of cement or mortar holding it all together. The stones are all held in a perfect balance of forces by only gravity.

Unfortunately, many parts were destroyed by the Moorish invasion in 1072, including 36 arches during this time. It was then rebuilt 400 years later, with great care taken not to change any of the original Roman style.

In fact, the Segovia aqueduct was used for centuries after the Romans had gone. From the Visigothic Kingdom and Umayyads to the Kingdoms during the Reconquista and beyond. It was only in 1973 when it was closed down because of water leakage and stone decay.

An unfortunate end of an era, yet its legacy was not to be forgotten.

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But Segovia Aqueduct wasn't the only one...

There is the Pont du Gard in France, built 2,000 years ago, and it still stands to this day in immaculate condition. To give you a real sense of the scale of these aqueducts, have a look at the tiny people walking the bridge of Pont du Gard in France.

While the towering arches are the most visible, much of the aqueduct's route involved channels carved through mountains. Its impressive three-tiered structure was built to carry water from the Gardon River to modern-day Nîmes.

The entire aqueduct system that Pont du Gard was part of had a mere 17-meter drop whilst stretching 50 kilometers. That’s an average gradient of just 34 cm per km — so precise that a smaller gradient would have stopped the water flow entirely.

By the Middle Ages, the structure was still standing, but it wasn’t an aqueduct anymore — it was a toll bridge. And in the 18th century, King Louis XV ordered its restoration, hence the reason why we can still visit it today.

(And yes, this one was also impressively built without any sort of cement or mortar…)

In the heart of Rome was the Aqua Claudia, one of the eight important aqueducts of the city, built in the first century.

What you see here, the famous arches entering Rome, stand around 30 meters tall. But what you don’t see is most of its route, which is underground. In fact, nearly 90% of the aqueduct used to run beneath the surface, shielded from invaders and wear.

But the weather wouldn’t do most of the damage; time would because of poor materials and craftsmanship. By the time Nero took power, the aqueduct had already failed twice as it was simply too weak. Repairs didn’t help much until the Renaissance, when Pope Sixtus V revived it.

2,000 years ago, it supplied Rome's plethora of public fountains and baths. Today, a football field lies in the shadows of its glory.

So there were many wonders of the Roman Age outside of the Appian Way, Parthenon, and Colosseum. They’re just as good as each other, but here’s something to think about:

The Parthenon (literally) cemented itself into history with self-healing concrete, while the Segovia Aqueduct cemented itself into history without any concrete. So what do you think… Which one is more impressive?

Until Next Time,

World Scholar