Water Management and Land Defense: Roman Artificial Lake Emissaries

Abstract

This paper compares hydraulic works constructed during the Roman period for the managing of the waters of several lakes in central Italy that lack natural outlet. The lakes of Albano and Nemi, both located in the southeast of Rome – in the Castelli Romani Park – and the basin of Lake Fucino in Abruzzo (which no longer exist due to its complete drainage in the 19th century) present notable similarities: each featured an artificial outlet created through the excavation of underground tunnels, extending several kilometers in lenght. The primary objective of these works was to regulate water levels and prevent flooding in the surrounding lowland areas. By examining different construction phases and building techniques used, through the analysis of bibliographic sources and direct observation of the structures and their contexts, this study identifies both similarities and differences among the various cases. The research aims to raise awareness of these engineering works, which are of significant architectural, historical, and landscape value. Their preservation poses considerable challenges for enhancement and future use, owing to the complexity of the structures and the multidisciplinary nature of the research required.