What is the Cloaca maxima?
The Cloaca Maxima is an ancient underground canal that runs underneath the Roman Forum in Rome, Italy. Construction of the Cloaca Maxima began around the 6th Century B.C. (Hopkins 1). To add perspective to time and history, construction of the Roman Coliseum began in 72 A.D., more than 600 years later.
Coliseum, Photos taken by Tracey L.R, 2008
Since construction of the Cloaca Maxima commenced more than 2500 years ago, the Cloaca Maxima has experienced several modifications, but has functioned continuously since its original construction and remarkably is still in limited use today (Hopkins).
The name of the canal, Cloaca Maxima, means "Greatest Sewer", and through it's impressive history, the Cloaca Maxima has lived up to its name.
The name of the canal, Cloaca Maxima, means "Greatest Sewer", and through it's impressive history, the Cloaca Maxima has lived up to its name.
Primary Source: History channel, Roman Technology: the Cloaca maxima
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE4UGihw_64
Roman Technology: The Cloaca Maxima https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE4UGihw_64