Concerning the manner in which the ancient Romans distributed the water for the use of the city. Text sheet 1761

This is Giovanni Battista Piranesi's "Concerning the manner in which the ancient Romans distributed the water for the use of the city," a text sheet from the 18th century. Piranesi was an Italian artist, architect, and printmaker, celebrated for his detailed and dramatic depictions of Rome. Piranesi lived in a time when the grandeur of ancient Rome was being rediscovered and re-evaluated. His works reflect both a fascination with its architectural achievements and a critical commentary on its decline. This text sheet reveals how ancient Romans managed their water systems. It tells of the societal structures, engineering skills, and administrative practices necessary to sustain urban life. Piranesi's etching captures the intersection of power, knowledge, and the control of resources in Roman society. While seemingly technical, the text evokes themes of social hierarchy, citizenship, and the distribution of essential services, subtly reflecting on how these issues continue to resonate in contemporary urban planning and governance. The work invites us to consider the values and priorities embedded in the design of our cities.