Posted on 11/21/2009 8:08:32 PM PST by SunkenCiv
For two millennia the Great Drain has carried the mineral-rich waters of Britain's only hot spring from the Roman Bath in Bath to the nearby River Avon. The drain runs for nearly half a mile under the city but although parts of it are large enough for a man to walk through, it has never been fully explored. Archaeologists will have their first opportunity to get inside the previously inaccessible sections of the Great Drain this month when engineers open it up for repairs. A stretch of drain built long after the Romans is causing the difficulties. The extension was added when marshes were reclaimed from the Avon beyond the old city wall. It started to back up 18 months ago, causing a flooding risk in the city. The Roman structure has easily outlasted the work of more modern engineers. A final section dating from the Sixties collapsed two years ago and had to be rebuilt. Miles Barnes, of Bath council, said: "The Roman engineers really knew what they were doing. Most of the drain is in absolutely tip-top condition and still doing the job it was designed for." ...When the site of the Roman Baths was originally excavated in the late 19th century, finds made in the Great Drain included 33 carved cameo gemstones and a mysterious tin mask... When it was built the drain was only just below the level of the Roman streets. The original engineers installed square inspection hatches to allow it to be swept clean of sediment. After centuries of building in the city, the Great Drain is today at least 4m below ground level.
(Excerpt) Read more at timesonline.co.uk ...
Thanks.
Sorry, the graphics keep disappearing.
Tell me about it; I live right by the Zoo Interchange! I am dreading the next three months while the crumbling bridges are replaced. Thank you, Governor Doyle!
Beautiful city; beautiful site.
Amazing that the Roman engineers would have spent that much time and treasure in their outlying territories to have these magnificent structures last for a few thousand years.
Must’a been before “shovel ready” “stimulas packages” impacted Rome’s treasury!
Interesting - thanks for sharing.
Think about the seasonal temperature differential in Wisconsin vs GB, there’s part of your answer.
Not by that name, but they had to deal with organized street gangs which had territories and ran commercial activities (or had a piece of the action).<<<<<<<
Trying to imagine the Roman equivalent of the Crips and Bloods, guys wearing togas flashing hand signs and doing drive bys with their donkey carts.
I was amazed when visiting England three years ago at all the old churches many of which are at least one thousand years old. And look as strong as ever. When visiting the city my wife grew up in, Norwich, she pointed out an old stone wall built by the Romans. I was absolutely awed looking at something someone had built two thousand years ago and was still standing. Nothing like that in America.
From Life of Brian - What have the Romans ever done for us? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExWfh6sGyso&feature=player_embedded
That’s just wrong.
This website on Roman aqueducts aims to show what marvellous work has been done by engineers and architects of the Roman empire. http://www.romanaqueducts.info/
Thanks!
:’)
BTW, did they have crappie on the menu?
Thanks!
Very funny. THe menu was in French, so I wouldn’t know. There was a glass case in the lobby with all kinds of fish on ice, displalyed artistically, of course. You could choose your dinner from there.
Did they soak you?
[uh-oh, ‘Civ got himself started]
I thought the meal was a little pricey, but we were on vacation.
:’)
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