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Origin and history

The aqueduct of Nîmes, built between 40 and 80 AD probably under the emperor Claude, had the mission to transport the water from the fountain of Eure (near Uzes) to the city of Nîmes. Its 50 km route crossed the garrigue, crossing the Gardon via the bridge of the Gard, before reaching the castelum divisorium. Recent excavations (2023) suggest an extension of 2 km to the sources of the Moulin Neuf at Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, thus changing its initial length.

The study of the concretions on the walls reveals two phases of use: a first period (I–II centuries) with clear water, followed by degradation in the third century marked by earth deposits. It probably ceased to function after the sixth century. Its construction was based on a constant slope of 25 cm/km, allowing a flow rate of 35 000 m3/day, and used innovative materials such as malta (watertight lime- and iron oxide-based mortar).

Ranked a Historical Monument in stages (from 1840 for the bridge of the Gard), the aqueduct was subjected to successive protections between 1979 and 1999 for its remains scattered over 11 communes of the Gard. Modern research, initiated by Émile Espérandieu (1926) and then deepened between 1984 and 1990, clarified its dating and operation. The book illustrates Roman expertise in hydraulics and its adaptation to geographical constraints.

The architectural elements included an unarmed concrete radiator, straight legs with watertight coatings, and reinforcements. The canal, vaulted or paved, was covered with two layers of sealing, including malta. This aqueduct, vital for ancient Nîmes (Nemausus), reflects the importance of water in Roman urban planning and the technical mastery of the engineers of the period.

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