The Roman antiquities, t. 1, Plate XII. Aqua Alsietina. 1756

This etching of the Aqua Alsietina, created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, invites us to contemplate the symbolic weight of ancient Roman aqueducts. The arch, a dominant feature, is not merely an architectural element, but a potent symbol of connection and transition. The arch appears throughout history, from triumphal arches celebrating military victories to the arched gateways of sacred temples, each time serving as a passage. Consider, for example, the arches in early Christian catacombs that open to the afterlife; this symbolizes not just physical entry, but a profound shift in spiritual state. Piranesi’s arches evoke a longing for the past, a subconscious desire to reconnect with the grandeur of Roman civilization, but they speak to a fundamental human need to find order and meaning in the passage of time. It is not just the architectural form, but the emotional echo that persists, shaping our understanding of power and memory.