Aqua Anio Vetus Archaeological Site

Address: Sections of the Anio Vetus pass through eastern sectors of Rome; no single site address

The Aqua Anio Vetus is an ancient Roman aqueduct that took water from the Aniene (Anio) River to Rome and dates to the early third century BCE, making it one of the Republic’s early long-distance water supplies.

Surviving elements include sections of conduit, masonry channels and occasional elevated arches where the route required above-ground structures; many parts run beneath later urban development. Visible remains are studied as part of Rome’s broader network of ancient aqueducts.

Built in the early third century BCE to increase Rome’s water supply needs beyond the older Aqua Appia, the Anio Vetus provided a major new source and was repaired and modified over subsequent centuries. Its construction marks a key step in the expansion of engineered waterworks in Republican Rome.

The aqueduct’s source and upper reaches lie along the Aniene river valley to the east of Rome, with its channel and remnants running into the city across the Lazio plain.

• Source and age: One of Rome’s early aqueducts, drawing water from the Aniene (Anio) river to supply the city in the Republican period.
• Construction: Much of its course consists of subterranean masonry channels and elevated arches in places where the terrain required above-ground support.

Traces of the Anio Vetus are found east of central Rome, accessible via local buses or a taxi from the centre. Exploring the aqueduct requires walking and a good map of the ancient channels.

• Seek out the little inscription fragments and reused stones in nearby Roman walls - they tell the story of how aqueduct elements were recycled across centuries.
• Visit with a map showing the aqueduct's course to spot low-lying channels and hidden masonry that casual sightseers miss.