A small problem
Even with their superb knowledge of architecture, the Romans eventually became faced with a slight hitch. The majority of piping in both the aqueducts and sewers was done in lead. In fact, our modern day word "plumbing" comes from the Latin plumbus, which means lead. As we now know, lead is very hazardous to the human system. Since most of Rome's drinking water ran through lead pipes, it can be imagined that many Romans eventually got lead poisoning. Another problem that came about was the reintroduction of waste into the drinking water system. More and more health problems began to arise because of contaminated water. In fact, the aqueducts were actually one of the things that led to the eventual decline and fall of Rome.
Back (Aqueducts) | Next (Credits) |
Home