Ancient aqueducts, carved out of solid rock almost 2 thousand years ago to supply water to the city of Rome, Italy, are being investigated by archaeologists using modern technological methods.
Ancient aqueducts, carved out of solid rock almost 2 thousand years ago to supply water to the city of Rome, Italy, are being investigated by archaeologists using modern technological methods.
They are creating a map of the aqueduct system that runs under the city using 3 dimensional scanners, lasers, and remotely controlled robots.
Using maps drawn by British topographer Thomas Ashby before and after World War I, as a guide, the researchers are hoping to create a more detailed map of the aqueduct tunnels.
One tunnel reportedly stretches for nearly 45 miles outside of the city and others are around 60 miles long.
Aqueduct systems are also made up of underground cisterns and drains, which are being explored by the archaeologists, along with the tunnels themselves.
According to Christopher Smith, the director of an archaeological research institute called the British School at Rome: “It's not very nice down there and there's often a build-up of gases, so robots are ideal. They're very good for getting into difficult underground areas.”
The robot that is being used to map the passageways with three high definition cameras, laser sensors and two computers was specially designed for use by archaeologists, and can fit in small or dangerous areas.
