Similar Roman Baths - Beirut, Grand Serail, René Moawad Garden, Beirut International Exhibition, Archaeological Museum of the Ameri | ||
Cisterns of the Roman Baths is located in downtown Beirut, Lebanon.
Contents
Overview
The Romans constructed an aqueduct fed by the Beirut River whose main source was located 10 km from the city. When the water reached Riad Al Solh Square, it was stored in large cisterns and then distributed to the pools of the Roman Baths.
History
For centuries, the streams and wells of Ain Naba’, Berjawi and Khandaq Al-Ghamiq provided Beirut with fresh water. At the time of Roman Berytus, four large bath complexes as well as numerous private baths increased the city’s water consumption. The Romans constructed an aqueduct fed by the Beirut River whose main source was located 10 km from the city. The aqueduct crossed the river at Qanater Zbaydeh and followed the slopes of Hazmieh to Mar Mikhael and Furn Al-Chebak. The water finally reached Riad Al Solh Square; there, at the foot of the Serail hill, it was stored in large cisterns. An intricate network of lead or clay pipes and channels distributed the water to the various pools of the Roman Baths.