L’aqueduc romain de Causses-et-Veyran (34) et son septuple siphon inversé

Recent archaeological discoveries challenge the long-held interpretation of the Roman piles at Causses-et-Veyran, suggesting they were not towers or trophies but part of a sophisticated hydraulic system. The findings propose that these structures belonged to a lead pressure pipe aqueduct, designed to cross a valley using the principle of communicating vessels. Given the terrain's topography, which precluded traditional inverted siphon dynamics or bridge construction, Roman engineers partitioned the conduit into six sections, installing 'piles-relais' as relay points. This innovative approach, akin to modern Ottoman soutèrazi systems, demonstrates advanced engineering solutions for overcoming geographical challenges in ancient infrastructure.

Haurillon, R. (2013). L’aqueduc romain de Causses-et-Veyran (34) et son septuple siphon inversé. Revue Archéologique de Narbonnaise, 46(1), 221–232. https://doi.org/10.3406/ran.2013.1885