The Roman Water Management of Arles as Read in Aqueduct Carbonate Archives

Anthropogenic carbonate deposits within the Roman aqueduct of Arles reveal a dynamic history of water management, including changes in water source provenance and structural modifications. The study identifies that the aqueduct initially relied on water from the Caparon tributary, which was later diverted to power mills at Barbegal. Subsequently, the Eygalières branch became the primary water source, transforming the basin into a distribution structure. Stable isotope analysis of carbonate incrustations also indicates a significant cleaning effort in the early fourth century. This research demonstrates that carbonate archives can provide critical insights into the evolution and functionality of ancient aqueduct systems.

Sürmelihindi, G., Passchier, C., Wilson, A., & Spötl, C. (2025). The Roman Water Management of Arles as Read in Aqueduct Carbonate Archives. Geoarchaeology, 40(4). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/gea.70020