Thursday's Child: The Segovia Aqueduct

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Last week I posted about the Roman Colosseum.  Today I’m writing about another Roman structure, built at the westernmost side of their empire – the Segovia Aqueduct in Spain.

The actual date the aqueduct was built isn’t known, but it’s estimated to have been started in the late first century. Although it has been repaired several times through the centuries, it’s still a testament to the brilliance of the Romans.  After all, it has been in use nearly 2000 years, carrying water to Segovia from a river in the mountains over 15 kilometres away. 

When we travel, we often seek out sites that have been protected by UNESCO.  All of the properties on their World Heritage list have been deemed to be of cultural or natural significance.  The Segovia Aqueduct is one such site.  When we visited, I thought about everything that has changed around the aqueduct while it has remained constant.  It was built to deliver drinkable water to a city, and for many centuries, it did exactly that. 

I started thinking about all the ways that water has featured in our travels.  We’ve been to a rain forest, and to a place where it hasn't rained in one hundred years. We’ve seen a lake where a famous monster lives and we’ve seen what happens if you disregard parking lot warnings about high tides. We’ve used water for recreation, transportation, and inspiration.

But at the end of the day, everything comes down to having enough clean water to drink.  Those brilliant Romans examined how other cultures provided water to their cities, and took it up a notch or two.  The fact that their aqueduct in Segovia is still standing is an engineering marvel and a tribute to their inventiveness.

14 comments:

Valerie Gamine said...

It's fascinating how brilliant people were, long before our modern day conveniences...sometimes I wonder if we've lost our sense of wonder?

I love reading about your adventures! :)

Beth said...

Thanks, Valerie!

Anonymous said...

Great photos!

Kristy said...

I just love these posts, Beth! So gorgeous and unlike any of the other blogs I read. Keep 'em coming!

Bonnie said...

Beth, Quite possibly there are lessons to be learned here. Wonderful photos and information. Bonnie

Beth said...

Thanks Kristy, and Bonnie! You made my day!

Food Gal said...

The Romans were pretty ingenious. When I look at the engineering it took to construct the Colosseum and other major structures that still stand, it's really mind-boggling to think they did it all without the technology we have today. Just shows great skills don't need any extra help.

Unknown said...

Great photos, we were lucky enough to visit the Segovia Aqueduct and it is stunning and an amazing sight to behold;-)

amlamonte said...

i just love the aesthetics of aqueducts. all those arches! thanks for sharing :)

Anonymous said...

You have experienced so many magical places - very special.
:-) Mandy

Anonymous said...

Fascinating to look at, and amazing that it's still in use!

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

The aquaducts are quite impressive..if things could only be built to last as well now! And I loved all your links back to other water topics...having just been at Mont Saint Michel, I had to giggle at that car!

Choc Chip Uru @ Go Bake Yourself said...

What a wonderful site to visit, it is so awesome :D

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

Belinda said...

Gosh, it's been too long since I've been in that part of the world - your photos make me want to get on a plane...NOW!

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