Historical Dictionary of the Etruscans

WATER MANAGEMENT (IDRAULICA)

The Etruscans were renowned for their engineering prowess. An important element of this was water management. Cunicoli (underground water channels) were constructed both at a small scale within cities and at a larger scale in the countryside to control runoff of water. The best evidence for urban drainage can be seen in the most extensively excavated cities of Marzabotto and Acquarossa. The best evidence for water tunnels in the countryside can be seen around the city of Veii, including the impressive Ponte Sodo in the immediate environs of the city.
See also AGRICULTURE.