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Middle School Replicates Ancient Roman Aqueduct

One Missouri Military Academy instructor introduced a project to Middle School cadets this spring, and their hard word has finally shown.  LT Marc Wilson and his sixth and seventh grade Ancient World History and Geography classes constructed a 45-foot long working model of a Roman aqueduct.

The Romans engineered these structures to move water throughout the ancient city.  Wilson says the project helped cadets understand the basics of carpentry and masonry skills, and how people back then used those skills to improve their cities.

PHOTOS:  Cadets construct a replica of a Roman aqueduct

“I thought it was important for them to understand how people committed to this type of construction and what a feat it was for those cultures to build structures as grand and well-engineered as they did. Working together and learning the basics of some carpentry, masonry and engineering skills can do nothing but benefit our boys."

Unlike the Ancient Romans, Wilson says cadets were allowed to use modern tools including drill and hammer drill, reciprocating saw, circular saw, jig saw, and others.  They learned how to measure, cut, level and support structures and mix, and lay mortar. Then they completed aqueduct runs water not just down a trough, but though a junction box with baffles to divert water to multiple places, just as Rome transferred water throughout the city from one source to many.

Overall, Wilson says the project took approximately 100 man hours to build and develop.  Cadets used a half-ton of reclaimed stone, a quarter-ton of mortar, and 6,000 board feet of lumber.