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To: SunkenCiv

A fun way to learn about Roman engineering use of concrete is the novel, Pompeii by Robert Harris.

The novel is about a young “aquarius” or aquaduct engineer who gets the first warning about Vesuvius when problems start to occur in the water supply in Pompeii and Misenum a couple of days before the eruption.

Mixed in with his solving of the mystery of why the aquaducts aren’t working or have sulphur in the water is great information about the engineering of aquaducts, the core of which was the cast concrete water main.

You may not think this provides a great read, but I’m probably not giving a good enough precis to make it come alive—but give it a shot. As days pass and he begins to climb through the aquaducts onto the slopes of Vesuvius you want to shout, “Forget the damn water main. Grab your girl and get the hell out before the volcano blows.”


35 posted on 09/03/2011 6:40:36 AM PDT by wildbill (You're just jealous because the Voices talk only to me.)
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To: wildbill

That sounds pretty interesting, actually. Wow! a lot of editions. May have to check out the remainder store, I've found loads of books on CD in there.

Pompeii Pompeii
by Robert Harris

Kindle Edition
Paperback
Mass Market Paperback
Library Binding
Unknown Binding
Abridged CD Audiobook
Unabridged Audible Edition


39 posted on 09/03/2011 7:28:47 AM PDT by SunkenCiv (It's never a bad time to FReep this link -- https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/)
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