Book series „History of water supply“ - Volume 1

SEXTVS IVLIVS FRONTINVS – CVRATOR AQUARVM

After an introduction to water supply and the techniques used, G. Garbrecht presents “hydrotechnology” in the Roman Empire, particularly that of the city of Rome, based on the information provided by Sextus Julius Frontinus, who was appointed Cuator Aquarum in 97 AD. His surviving work “De Aquaeductu Urbis Romae,” in Latin and German translation, is a central component of this first volume of the Frontinus Society, founded on October 16, 1976.

W. Eck introduces Frontin’s character in his political and social context, providing essential information necessary for understanding the ancient text. H. Fahlbusch then uses archaeological evidence to demonstrate how the water quantities specified by Frontin and their measurement can be determined according to modern standards.

The image documents compiled in the appendix by B. Gockel provide, with vivid explanations, an overview of Roman water technology, from water extraction from groundwater wells, rivers and reservoirs to long-distance water transport and water distribution in the settlements and the “installations” used in this process.

The new edition, published in 2013, is completely different from this “original edition.” It emphasizes Frontin’s text and translation with extensive annotations, followed by exclusively new contributions that deal with the history of the manuscript, Frontin himself, and water technology and culture during Frontin’s time. For those interested in ancient water supplies, the “original edition of Volume 1” with the following two volumes is therefore an enrichment, and well worth acquiring from an antiquarian.