Pompeii Field Research, Day 9:
Our team is concluding its highly successful field trip to Naples Bay—rich in new discoveries and strengthened by invaluable relationships. Today, Wayne Lorenz, Giuseppe Illiano, Spencer Perry, and Jamie Akens met with Rafaele Martinelli, Director of Archaeology in Pompeii, as Mr. Martinelli's team dives into the latest discoveries of the boiler system and bath complex.
Some highlights of this research trip were:
Visiting a recently excavated private bath in Pompeii, not yet open to tourism, which features a remarkably intact hot water/boiler system, complete with lead piping and an ‘expansion tank’—a fascinating glimpse into ancient engineering.
Studying a newly documented mosaic fountain in the Suburban Bath—an exciting addition to their growing catalog of mosaic fountains, one of our favorite architectural features.
Identifying five previously unrecorded aqueduct segments near the terminus in Bacoli, providing new insights into the original alignment of this impressive infrastructure.
The team says they are grateful for the opportunity to explore the advanced engineering of the Roman Empire and for the connections that make this work possible. Stay tuned for their upcoming trip report!
Pompeii Field Research, Day 8:
Our team recently partnered with the Terra de Palma Campagna Archaeological Group to investigate the main channel of the Augustan Aqueduct. We visited several key sites, including one where the original aqueduct runs parallel to a later Constantinian-era reconstruction—a fascinating glimpse into centuries of engineering evolution. Collaboration with local archaeological groups is essential for this work, granting us access to private properties that house critical aqueduct segments. Each site presents a unique challenge, blending modern infrastructure with ancient remains, making the interpretation of this thousands-year-old network a true puzzle. Exciting discoveries lie ahead as we continue to piece together history, one channel at a time!
Pompeii Field Research, Day 7:
Today, the WPI team, Wayne Lorenz, Spencer Perry, and Jamie Akens, ventured beyond Pompeii to explore the “Fields of Fire” region in Campania, where the Augustan Aqueduct reached its terminus at the Piscina Mirabilis. We visited an immense cistern atop a hill, suspected to have been used for rainwater collection—although further investigation is needed to confirm its purpose. The Piscina Mirabilis is a vast underground reservoir that stored the water that reached the end of the aqueduct. Recently, the conduit that once fed the Piscina Mirabilis was found—offering new insight into where the aqueduct filled the tank. This visit was a reminder of how much remains to be uncovered. Many clues to the past lie hidden, often beneath modern structures, ensuring that there’s always more to learn.
Pompeii Field Research, Day 6:
Today, our team collected GPS points across Pompeii, starting at the Castellum Aquae—the city’s main water distribution structure—and at each water tower. These data points help us better understand elevation changes and refine the hydraulic profile of the Pompeian water system. Every day, we uncover new insights and gain an even greater appreciation for the advanced engineering and technology of the Romans.
Pictured: Spencer Perry using the Trimble GPS Unit.
Pompeii Field Research, Day 5:
Today, the Pompeii Research Team had the incredible opportunity to visit the Antiquarium di Boscoreale, a museum near the Pompeii excavation site. This museum offers a glimpse into the daily life of a rustic farmhouse, featuring a rich collection of artifacts—including casts of both people and animals. One highlight of our visit was investigating a large lead tank, which was reinforced with iron rings, likely for lifting or suspending over a fire. These tanks are especially rare, as lead was heavily scavenged for centuries following the eruption of Vesuvius. 🌋 An amazing day of discovery, deepening our understanding of ancient Roman life!
Pompeii Field Research, Day 4:
Today, our Research Team investigated water use in an ancient tannery in Pompeii, where leather was cleaned and processed. This well-preserved site featured its own well, 15 built-in vessels for chemical treatments like urea, alum, and lime, and an ingenious water channel system that could automatically fill the vessels.
Photo : Wayne Lorenz and Jamie Akens collect measurements on tannery tanks for volume calculations.
Pompeii Field Research, Day 3:
A message from Wayne F. Lorenz, P.E.—"Another beautiful day studying the mosaic fountain in a massive Pompeiian House, the Casa Dei Centenario. Our work researching ancient water use continues, and I look forward to learning more about how these intricate fountains were engineered nearly 2,000 years ago."
Pompeii Field Research, Day 2:
The team had a big meeting at the Town of Aiello del Sabato council chamber on the historical and engineering heritage of the region. Mayor Sebastiano Gaeta hosted Wayne Lorenz, Spencer Perry, and Jamie Akens of WPI, alongside University of Salerno professor Giovanni De Feo, President of Pro Loco of Bacoli Giuseppe Illiano, Santa Lucia di Serino Mayor Ottaviano Vistocco, President of the Pro Loco of Santa Lucia di Serino Ottaviano De Biase, President Graziano Ferrari of the Cocceius Association, spelologist Raffaella Lamagna, and teachers and students of the Techinical Institute for Surveyors of Avellino, including professor Mario Sabatino. The meeting was covered by the local news.
