GIS and Ancient Infrastructure: Modeling Water Distribution from the Aqua Augusta in Pompeii, Italy

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2023: Individual Abstracts" session, at the 88th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Understanding access and distribution of resources is a key component of archaeological research. Tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be instrumental for modeling and understanding resource use in the ancient world. The incredibly well-preserved remains of ancient Pompeii offer an excellent case study for modeling urban infrastructure and the distribution of aqueduct water throughout the site. Pompeii’s water-supply system consisted of water towers (to maintain pressure) and a network of lead pipes. Using GIS, a least-cost pathway model was created to show the location and placement of the lead pipes if the system had relied solely on changes in elevation across Pompeii to move the water more efficiently. This model was compared to the location of extant lead pipe on the surface of Pompeii using survey data collected during the 2022 field season. The goal of this project was to determine if the pipes followed a least-cost pathway or if their locations were constrained due to architectural and sanitation features such as existing structures, sidewalk placement, and sewage pits. Understanding the functional aspects and physical limitations of Pompeii’s water-supply system has implications for urban planning and infrastructure in both ancient and modern contexts.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• SAA 2023: Individual Abstracts   •
• Society for American Archaeology 88th Annual Meeting, Portland, OR (2023)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 36350.0