Piscina Mirabilis

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The Piscina Mirabilis was the largest freshwater cistern ever built by the ancient Romans. It was located on the Miseno cliff at the western end of the Gulf of Naples, and was situated there in order to provide the Roman western imperial fleet at Portus Julius with drinking water.

Construction

The cistern was dug entirely out of the tuff cliff face and was 15 meters high/deep (ca. 45 feet), 72 meters long (ca. 220 feet), and 25 meters wide (ca.75 feet). The capacity/volume was 12,000 cubic meters (ca. 36,000 cubic feet) It was supported by vaulted ceilings and 48 pillars. It was supplied with water from the main Roman acqueduct, the Aqua Augusta, that brought water from sources in Serino near Avellino, 100 kilometers distant, to Naples. Parts of the ancient cistern may still be visited.

References

• "Napoli Underground". Retrieved on 2006-12-09.

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