Roman ‘Well-cisterns’, Navigational Routes, and Landscape Modifications in the Venice Lagoon and Northeastern Adriatic

Underwater investigations in the Venice Lagoon have uncovered a partially preserved Roman 'well-cistern,' providing new evidence of ancient maritime infrastructure. This structure, similar to another better-preserved example found in the same region, was likely used to supply ships with fresh water along the North Adriatic littoral. Analysis of mortar, depth relative to sea level, and the absence of foundation poles in underlying soft mud supported this interpretation. The study also suggests that such structures were repurposed during the Middle Ages for residential use in Venice's islands, becoming a hallmark of its small squares (campi). By comparing these findings with other poorly studied Roman buildings, researchers offer insights into ancient navigational routes and landscape modifications in the region.

Beltrame, C., Medas, S., Mozzi, P., & Ricci, G. (2023). Roman ‘Well-cisterns’, Navigational Routes, and Landscape Modifications in the Venice Lagoon and Northeastern Adriatic. International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 52(1), 133–157. https://doi.org/10.1080/10572414.2023.2182984