Repository logo
 

The continuity of Roman water supply systems in Post-Roman Spain: the case of Valentia, a reliable example?

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Martinez Jimenez, J 

Abstract

Even if the general assumption is that Roman water supply systems (aqueducts in particular) ceased to function during the late Roman period, and that these were not present in medieval cities, recent archaeological research is proving that this was not always the case. Several cities in Spain show archaeological continuity in their water supply systems into the Visigothic period, and one of these seems to be Valencia. There is archaeological evidence to suggest a functioning aqueduct until the eleventh century, probably linked to episcopal patronage or, less probable, due to royal intervention. The information available comes from the excavations at L’Almoina, c/ Cavallers and c/ Quart, in which not only sections of the aqueduct with complete preserved stratigraphy have been retrieved, but also important water-consuming structures. Valencia is also a unique example of the reparation of Roman water supply systems in the Umayyad period.

Description

Keywords

Journal Title

Arkeogazte

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

1

Publisher

Publisher DOI

Publisher URL