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How a Roman Aqueduct Carried Water
Age 11 · History
The Romans built long stone channels called aqueducts to bring fresh water from the hills to their towns. The channel sloped down very gently, so gravity kept the water flowing the whole way.
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Age 11: open this week
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In the picture
- Water from a spring in the hills flows into the stone channel.
- Inside the covered channel, gravity makes the water flow slowly downhill.
- Tall arches hold the channel up so it can cross the valley at the right height.
- A water tank in town sends the water through pipes to fountains, baths and homes.
Examples
- A rain gutter tilts slightly so rainwater runs to the drainpipe.
- On a pool’s water slide, the water runs down along the slope.
Key takeaways
- Aqueducts had no pumps: gravity moved the water along a very gentle slope.
- Most of an aqueduct ran underground, and arches were used only to cross valleys.
Quiz: How a Roman Aqueduct Carried Water (Age 11)
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What was the main job of a Roman aqueduct?
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What kept the water moving along an aqueduct?
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Why did the Romans build tall arches under parts of an aqueduct?
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