Section of Aqua Augusta aqueduct was analyzed

In Naples (Italy) a section of the ancient Aqua Augusta aqueduct has been identified. The facility is located under the modern city and was part of one of the branches of a large aqueduct that supplied water to many cities in Campania.

It has long been known that there were tunnels underground that carried the water from the spring in Serino, 51 km east of Naples.

Recently, it has been undertaken to analyze whether the canal can still serve the inhabitants of the city. The work was carried out under Mount Posillipo, where numerous contemporary residences are located. The water supply is still in good condition. About 647 meters of the aqueduct were tested; it is thus the longest section of Aqua Augusta that has been discovered.

According to specialists, a narrow tunnel was carved in stone; its walls are vertical, but high enough that a crouched man is able to walk.

Aqua Augusta is an aqueduct that was built at the end of the 1st century BCE and was originally intended to provide drinking water to the naval base at Miseum.