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New evidence for water-lifting technology at the baths in Pollena Trocchia

Publication at Faculty of Arts |
2017

Abstract

The Roman baths of Campania present a rather unique set of evidence of Roman water-lifting devices. Although the wooden parts decayed, these devices still leave traces on the surrounding structures.

The baths belonging to a lavish villa in Pollena Trocchia on the northern slope of Vesuvius were preserved by the eruption of AD 472 and even though they were unused and in a state of decay in the last years of their existence, traces of their original water-lifting device are still recognisable. These traces were carefully mapped, analysed and virtual reconstruction of the original device was attempted.

Calculations based on this reconstruction show that the output of this particular machine was probably comparable to similar devices in the region, such as in the Stabian baths.