Old Pots And New Drains: Changing Approaches To Waste And Wastewater In A Pompeian Neighborhood

Old Pots And New Drains: Changing Approaches To Waste And Wastewater In A Pompeian Neighborhood

AIA Society: South Pennsylvania (Carlisle)
Lecturer: Catherine K. Baker

Infrastructure connected with the removal of wastewater forms an important, yet often overlooked, element of the urban landscape. This talk explores how approaches to wastewater infrastructure in the Roman city of Pompeii changed over time, shifting from underground soak-away systems, made from reused pots, to underground drains. Through an examination of these different types of wastewater removal systems in Pompeii, particularly those recently excavated by University of Cincinnati’s project in the non-elite Porta Stabia neighborhood, we trace how choices and changes in wastewater removal and technology were closely tied with the wider needs, economic and material resources, and even political circumstances of the city and its residents.

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