Aqua Marcia

Roman aqueduct

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June 30, 2026

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The Aqua Marcia was a Roman aqueduct constructed in 144 BCE. It was one of eleven major aqueducts that supplied water to the city of Rome. The Aqua Marcia's source was approximately 37 km (23 miles) from Rome, but the aqueduct itself stretched 92 km (57 miles) due to the need to follow land contours to maintain a steady water flow. For about 80 km (50 miles), it ran underground in a covered trench, with the final 11 km (7 miles) being aboveground, supported by an arcade. This aqueduct, like others, used gravity to transport water to distribution reservoirs in Rome, supplying public baths and fountains.12

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water supply system
Developments in supply systems
The longest was the Aqua Marcia, built in 144 bce. Its source was about 37 km (23 miles) from Rome. The aqueduct itself was 92 km (57 miles) long, however, because it had to meander along land contours in order to maintain a steady flow of water. For about…
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The longest was the Aqua Marcia, built in 144 bce. Its source was about 37 km (23 miles) from Rome. The aqueduct itself was 92 km (57 miles) long, however, because it had to meander along land contours in order to maintain a steady flow of water. For about…
Read More