The Underground Gallery System and the Water Management Development of the Villa Metro Anagnina

Abstract

In 2016, the underground gallery system of the Villa Metro Anagnina was surveyed and speleologically analysed. In combination with the results from excavations it is now possible to precisely reconstruct the development of the villa’s water management system. After well water had been used in the 3rd cent. B.C., work started during the Late Republic on a subterranean storage system that, however, was never finished. The intention had been to collect rainwater from the villa’s roofs in a cistern sunk to a depth of 12 m. A new water management system was set up in the 1st cent. B.C.; central to it was a big, above-ground cistern of caementicium. This system was totally destroyed in a disaster in the 1st cent. A.D. and was not rebuilt.