How was the Pont du Gard, the famous ancient aqueduct, built?
The Pont du Gard is a well-preserved section of a two thousand year old Roman aqueduct in southern France. It supplied water to the city of Nîmes, then called Nemausus.
Previously the area was inhabited by Celts, but from about 120 BC they recognized the sovereignty of Rome. Thanks to them, Nemausus (Nîmes) grew, but it lacked water. So the Romans began an investment that was as much practical as it was proof of their power. They decided to build a 50-kilometre-long canal system, bringing water to the city from springs called Fontes Urae. It is the remains of this system that we know today as the Pont du Gard.
Pont du Gard — why was it built?
The aqueduct was to provide Nemausus with all the achievements and wonders of Roman civilization. The water was supplied to the city’s fountains and public toilets. It also supplied the thermae — baths, which at that time were veritable temples of pleasure. People took baths and massages there, met with friends, read books and admired works of art. Roman thermae were a combination of a beach, spa, shopping center and library.
Water was also going into some villas. Not always legally. There is a famous report by a certain Julius Sextus Frontinus (40–103 AD), an imperial specialist on water supply in Rome…
