Small water structures of the upper Tiber River in the Umbria Region

In the upper Tiber River basin, in the region of Umbria, there are hydraulic works built by the Etruscan and Roman peoples whose origins date back to several centuries before Christ. Some of these structures have been updated over the centuries and are still in use today, and they play important roles in water resource management. Owing to these historical infrastructures, cultural and social collateral activities have developed, which, together with the economic functions of these works, are of enormous relevance to Umbrian populations. However, the history of these hydraulic systems also serves as an example of the evolution of hydraulic engineering for all humanity. This paper is aimed at illustrating four of these fundamental systems: i) The Sportone di Maderno on the Clitunno River, which was named after the architect who designed it. This architect was also responsible for the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, which is an efficient historical work that enables water drainage. ii) The Marmore Falls, which is an ‘artificial’ waterfall that exemplifies the global significance of water and its influence on art and technology throughout history. iii) The Monte Pacciano reservoir in Perugia, which has a capacity of approximately 6,000 m3 and is part of an ancient medieval aqueduct. Finaly, iv) the hydraulic axis of the Clitunno River, which is a key element in the economic development and liveability of the Umbrian Valley over the centuries. This article and the case studies it describes are aimed at highlighting the importance of preserving these ancient hydraulic systems and emphasising the opportunity for extending this study to other historical systems.