The Aedifex: Building the Pont du Gard

the Aedifex: A historical novel. See website: www.buildingthepontdugard.com The Romans created an epic empire, a civilization much more sophisticated than we might imagine to have existed two thousand years ago. Their institutions and military were impressive, but their structures were equally so, built with physical and mathematical understanding that we can't take for granted. Yet, for all the evidence that exists- architectural books by Vitruvius and the structures themselves, there...
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the Aedifex: A historical novel. See website: www.buildingthepontdugard.com The Romans created an epic empire, a civilization much more sophisticated than we might imagine to have existed two thousand years ago. Their institutions and military were impressive, but their structures were equally so, built with physical and mathematical understanding that we can't take for granted. Yet, for all the evidence that exists- architectural books by Vitruvius and the structures themselves, there remain mysteries; there are no explanations for some of their practices and we are awed by their accomplishment. An aqueduct built in southern France, of which the Pont du Gard is but one feature, is one such epic work. In the thirty-mile transit of the water, from springs to terminus, from ancient Ucetia to Nemausus, the aqueduct falls only thirty-eight feet. How did the Romans measure that fall so precisely? We would be hard-pressed to accomplish that precision with modern equipment. Yet, not only did the Romans have to construct to the precise measurement of one-third inch in one-hundred feet, they had to convince the administrators, the Empire and those with money, that the terminus was, indeed, lower than the source before millions of man-days were expended and millions of sestertii spent.There are other mysteries still existing for this project. Yet, in the Aedifex we are entrained in the project from its inception by the Roman imperators, through the mind-stretching activities that must be undertaken to bring an epic project from dream to reality. The technology, the innovation, and the execution are impressive and this accomplishment is viewed through the actions of the people directly involved. A bright young man is tasked to find a source, wandering the hills of southern France to do so. He is eventually aided by an architect from Rome, tutoring him and preparing him for the challenge that waits. Together, they battle foot-dragging bureaucracy, citizens who would rather not send their water south (sound familiar-California?), the military who have their own means of constructing a project, not to mention the massive undertaking itself. Of course the people involved have their personal lives, in conflict with the requirements of the project in those times, just as we today must balance work, family and play. Love, jealousy, anger, revenge, collusion, and determination all have their sway in the story. To reflect the modern perspective of the ancient project, Warner, a retired engineer/constructor from the United States, dedicates time to understand the magnitude and technical aspects of the project. He soon encounters the mysteries and labors to unravel them, using his background to assist his understanding trumping some of those who have only managed to find only a void of information. Warner also encounters Laurie, and her mother, Lisele, both complicating his life in a way one would think adventurous. We are exposed to attitudes and customs of the folk in southern France, in the Nimes and Uzes regions, and intimately trample the local geography. Note that Thomas Hessler has the background to appreciate the accomplishment, difficulties, and techniques of building this aqueduct. He has used this knowledge to craft a story that is a useful and reasonable portrayal of that which might actually have occurred. In the portrayal, we are dealing with the architectural/engineering mind. We get glimpses of the working of the engineering mind and grin at the foibles therein displayed. There are few sitcoms, movies, plays, or other drama with engineers as the main characters. In the Aedifex, we will see if this avoidance is justified.