Although Pompeii is a ruined and partially buried Roman city, accidentally rediscovered in 1748 and now excavated, there is no doubt its streets are frozen in time -- since 24 August 79 AD. 1900-plus years later, we can contemplate Roman road construction, engineering.I was initially impressed by the street scape of Pompeii as not being much different than those one may encounter throughout European centrums today -- the stone and cobblestone workmanship of the streets.
The oddity was wheel grooves, an obviously indicator Pompeii's streets were adequately accommodating its robust wheeled traffic. These street were constructed in a way to elevate foot traffic above the road's surface for water runoff, perhaps even sewage. Roman architects and engineers managed water and sewage quite well, though not necessarily in the open, in the streets. There are many examples of drainage pipes beneath the surface, some still operational. Not only is the water distribution system in Pompeii impressive, it reveals a great degree of forethought and urban planning.
Could the strength of the Roman Empire, at least in part, be borne of its engineering prowess?
Unfortunately, as all ancient excavations experience, renewed exposure to the elements hastens deterioration. In tight financial times, seeking funds to protect these sites is a low priority. Thus, the curious observer should visit sooner rather than later.
Unfortunately, as all ancient excavations experience, renewed exposure to the elements hastens deterioration. In tight financial times, seeking funds to protect these sites is a low priority. Thus, the curious observer should visit sooner rather than later.
