engleski

AN ENGINEERING APPROACH TO THE RECONSTRUCTION OF ROMAN WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS – A CASE STUDY OF THE CITY OF SALONA AND THE DIOCLETIAN’S PALACE

This paper presents the application of systems approach engineering methodology in the reconstruction of the Roman water supply system. The application of a systems approach and systems analysis methods provides a reliable analysis and the reconstruction of the Roman water supply system, its operation and sustainability. Considering the Roman water supply systems of the city of Salona and the Diocletian’s Palace have not been completely preserved, a problem occurs in their reconstruction and analysis of their operation and sustainability. However, the basic concept of their operation is known based on the gravitational flow of water. The application of simulation methods generates several possible solutions taking into account the objectives, constraints, environmental characteristics, climate, hydrological system features and the available construction technologies in Roman times. Furthermore, the water supply system, its elements and mode of operation are being reconstructed by applying the method of adapting the generated solutions to the existing elements of the water supply system. The proposed methodology was applied for the reconstruction of the Empire Diocletian’s Palace water supply system and the water supply system of the city of Salona. It was established that the proposed methodology effectively and reliably enables the solution of the problem of the Roman water supply systems’ reconstruction. Thus, it is possible to significantly rationalise and accelerate the whole archaeological research of the Roman water supply systems by its application.

aqueduct, classical antiquity, Diocletian, Salona

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