Roman Water Heritage

OVERVIEW

Gain an understanding of how the surrounding ancient Roman towns collected and stored the water that was so vital to their survival and prosperity. Emperor Hadrian built the aqueduct that supplied spring water from towering Zaghouan Mountain to Carthage, and you will view the remains of this architectural wonder that stretched for more than 80 miles. It is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts among the hundreds built in Europe and North Africa. While visiting the towns of Oudna and Mohammedia, you will see impressive sections of the aqueduct. When the water reached Carthage, much of it was held in massive cisterns, some of which are still intact, as you will discover. The aqueduct ended at the Antonin baths, a 2nd-century complex so massive and historically significant that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site. Although the Vandals destroyed much of the baths in the 5th century, they are still a sight to behold.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View well-preserved sections of one of the lengthiest Roman aqueducts ever built.
• See the massive cisterns where much of the water was held in ancient Carthage.
• Wander through the aqueduct-fed Antonin baths, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.