Aqua Tepula Archaeological Site

Address: Remnants located within central-eastern Rome; no single address

Aqua Tepula is a Roman aqueduct that carried warm spring water into the city of Rome. The channel dates to the Republican period and its name, Tepula, refers to the lukewarm temperature of the water.

Remnants survive in places around the modern city and can be seen as archaeological masonry and short aboveground stretches; its remains are primarily of interest to those studying Roman engineering rather than large, isolated ruins. The aqueduct was smaller in scale than later imperial works and was incorporated into successive water systems over time.

The Tepula was constructed in the late 2nd century BC and supplied parts of the city through a combination of tunneled and raised sections. Over subsequent centuries its conduits were repaired, rerouted, or linked with other aqueducts as Rome’s water network expanded.

The route runs within the city of Rome in the Lazio region, entering from springs to the east and terminating inside the ancient urban area. Surviving traces are scattered and often encountered near other Roman infrastructure rather than as a single intact monument.

Remnants are scattered in central Rome; a walking route that includes Baths of Diocletian and the eastern districts will encounter surviving sections. Use local archaeological maps or guides.

• Look for the modest remains near the Baths of Diocletian and the later imperial complexes - the Tepula's water was often mixed with cooler supplies for baths.
• The site is best appreciated with a guide who can point out engineering differences between Rome's aqueducts.