BITS ‘N’ PIECES

Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):

I heard Allah’s Apostles (P.B.U.H) saying, “If the prayer is started do not run for it but just walk for it calmly and pray whatever you get, and complete whatever is missed.”

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 13, Number 31

DID YOU KNOW?

The Romans were adept at constructing aqueducts.

Aqueducts, developed by the Romans, were a sophisticated system of channels and bridges designed to transport water from distant sources into cities and towns. The construction of aqueducts began in 312 BCE with the Aqua Appia, the first Roman aqueduct. Over the centuries, the Romans refined their techniques, constructing increasingly elaborate and extensive aqueduct systems.

The typical Roman aqueduct comprised a combination of underground conduits, surface channels, and elevated bridges. These structures were constructed using a variety of materials, including stone, brick, and concrete. The channels, or conduits, were usually lined with concrete to prevent leaks and were covered to protect the water from contamination. The design of the aqueducts took advantage of gravity, maintaining a gentle slope to ensure a continuous flow of water from the source to the city.

One of the most iconic features of Roman aqueducts is the arched bridge, used to span valleys and maintain the necessary gradient. The Pont du Gard in France and the Aqueduct of Segovia in Spain are prime examples of these majestic structures. These bridges were constructed using a series of precisely cut stones, fitted together without the use of mortar, relying on the keystone at the top of each arch to hold the structure in place.

The Romans were also adept at tunneling through mountains and constructing siphons to navigate challenging terrains. Siphons used the principle of communicating vessels, where water was transported through pipes laid in a U-shaped structure, allowing it to traverse hills and valleys without the need for bridges or tunnels.

Once the water reached the city, it was stored in large reservoirs or distribution tanks, known as castellumaquae. From here, it was channeled through a network of pipes to various public baths, toilets, fountains, and private homes. The baths, or thermae, were a significant aspect of Roman culture, serving not only as places for bathing but also as social and recreational centers. The constant supply of fresh water was crucial for maintaining the hygiene and functionality of these facilities.

Roman toilets, or latrines, were another testament to their advanced sanitation infrastructure. These public facilities were often connected to a continuous flow of water, ensuring that waste was efficiently washed away into the city’s sewer system.

Roman aqueducts were a marvel of ancient engineering, and continue to inspire modern engineering and urban planning.