Carbonates from the ancient world's longest aqueduct: A testament of Byzantine water management

The fourth- and fifth-century aqueduct system of Constantinople is, at 426 km, the longest water supply line ancient world. Carbonate deposits i659ide an archive both archaeological developments palaeo-environmental conditions during depositional period. 246-km-long from fourth century used springs a small aquifer, whereas 180-km-long extension to west tapped larger aquifer. Although historical records testify least 700 years activity, carbonate in display less than 27 operation. This implies that entire must have been cleaned carbonate, presumably regular campaigns. A 50-km-long double-aqueduct section central part may costly but practical solution allow repairs cleaning aqueducts ascertain continuous city. channel was commonly contaminated with clay, caused by nature possible local damage channel. clay-rich could one reasons for construction large reservoirs Constantinople.