Introduction

The ancient city of Pompeii, entombed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, has long captivated archaeologists and historians alike. While much attention has been paid to the volcanic disaster that preserved it, another critical element played an unlikely role in the rediscovery of this Roman metropolis: an aqueduct in Pompeii.

This intricate water supply system, initially built to serve the thriving community, inadvertently guided modern explorers to one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.

Construction of the Aqueduct in Pompeii

Background and Purpose

In the late 16th century, there was a pressing need for an aqueduct to provide water to the burgeoning gunpowder factories in Torre Annunziata. The aqueduct in Pompeii aimed to channel water from the River Sarno to industrial facilities, crucial for supporting the growing industrial activities in the region.

Domenico Fontana’s Role

Domenico Fontana, a renowned Italian architect and engineer, played a pivotal role in the construction and design of the aqueduct that ultimately led to the rediscovery of Pompeii. Tasked with overseeing this vital infrastructure project, Fontana employed his profound expertise in hydraulic engineering to ensure the successful completion of the aqueduct in Pompeii.

While excavating to lay the channels, Fontana inadvertently unearthed ancient walls and artifacts that hinted at a buried civilization beneath the volcanic debris. Although the significance of his findings was not immediately understood, Fontana’s meticulous work and detailed records provided subsequent generations of archaeologists with invaluable insights.

Discovery of Pompeii During Construction

Pompeii Inscription

Route of the Aqueduct in Pompeii

The aqueduct’s route traversed the Vesuvian region, passing through what was then an unremarkable hill known as Civita. Unbeknownst to the engineers, this hill covered the ancient ruins of Pompeii.

As the construction proceeded, the aqueduct in Pompeii cut through the center of the buried town, disturbing key areas including the forum, the ‘Triangular Forum,’ and ‘Stabian Street.’

Discoveries Made

During the construction, numerous artifacts and structural remains were uncovered.

1. Coins and Inscriptions

Among the most notable finds were coins and inscriptions. A dedication to Jupiter and a building inscription set up by a local benefactor were discovered. These artifacts provided significant clues about the identity of the buried town, suggesting it was an important urban center with religious and civic structures.

2. Structural Remains and Artifacts

The engineers encountered various structures, including walls and foundations. These remains indicated a thriving urban center. The discovery of intact walls, floors, and even sections of buildings prompted further interest and speculation about the site’s identity.

The scale and preservation of these structures underscored the historical significance of the site, hinting at its identity as Pompeii.

Holstenius’s Identification of Pompeii

Lucas Holstenius’s Proposal

Lucas Holstenius, a scholar and antiquarian, played a crucial role in the eventual identification of Pompeii. In 1637, Holstenius declared, “it is absolutely certain that Pompeii was in the location which is called Civita.”

His assertion was based on the evidence uncovered during the aqueduct’s construction. Holstenius’s expertise in ancient texts and inscriptions allowed him to make a compelling case for the true identity of the site.

Reception of Holstenius’s Proposal

Despite Holstenius’s confidence, his proposal was met with skepticism. Many scholars were hesitant to accept his identification, influenced by prevailing theories and the lack of comprehensive evidence.

The entrenched belief that Pompeii lay elsewhere persisted. Over time, however, as more discoveries emerged and the physical evidence mounted, Holstenius’s identification gained credibility and support among the scholarly community.

Impact of the Aqueduct Construction on the Rediscovery of Pompeii

Remains and artifacts of Pompeii

Immediate Impact

The discoveries made during the construction of the aqueduct in Pompeii raised significant awareness about the site. The artifacts and structural remains found by the engineers sparked interest among scholars and antiquarians, leading to increased attention and exploration.

The immediate impact was the realization that a significant ancient settlement lay beneath Civita, warranting further investigation.

Long-Term Impact

The aqueduct construction laid the groundwork for future excavations. The evidence uncovered during the project provided a compelling case for the significance of the site, ultimately leading to the official excavations in 1748.

These early discoveries were instrumental in shifting focus from other sites, such as Herculaneum, to Pompeii, highlighting its historical importance. The continued interest and excavation efforts eventually unveiled Pompeii as one of the most well-preserved ancient cities, offering unparalleled insights into Roman life.

Conclusion

The construction of the aqueduct in Pompeii through the Vesuvian region was pivotal in rediscovering and revealing significant artifacts and structures. These discoveries highlighted the role of infrastructure projects in advancing archaeology.

The interplay between engineering and archaeology facilitated industrial growth and deepened our understanding of ancient Roman civilization, showing the value of integrating diverse fields to uncover and preserve historical sites.