On the Nature and Law of Waters (1693) - Page 23

Chapter III. On the Origin of Hydraulics.

§. 26. In the following arch, the following words are read:

SIXTUS V, SUPREME PONTIFF

PAVED BOTH ROADS LEADING TO ST. MARY MAJOR

AND TO ST. MARY OF THE ANGELS

FOR THE CONVENIENCE

AND DEVOTION OF THE PEOPLE

LONG AND WIDE

AT HIS OWN EXPENSE

IN THE YEAR 1585, THE 1ST OF HIS PONTIFICATE.

§. 27. Regarding the facade, which consists of three arches: in the central arch is placed a marble statue of Moses, nineteen palms high About 4.25 meters or 14 feet; the "Roman palm" was a common unit of measure for architects., striking the rock with a staff, from which water bursts forth. In the right and left arches, the histories of Aaron and Joshua are seen, with the Israelites drawing water. Upon these arches, the following inscription is placed:

SIXTUS V, SUPREME PONTIFF, FROM PICENUM

BROUGHT THE WATER FROM THE FIELD OF COLONNA

ON THE LEFT OF THE PRAENESTINE WAY

BY THE COLLECTION OF MANY VEINS Refers to the gathering of various small springs or "veins" of water into a single supply.

IN A WINDING CONDUIT FROM THE RESERVOIR

FOR 20 MILES, 22 MILES FROM THE SOURCE

AND CALLED IT "FELICE" FROM THE NAME HE HELD BEFORE THE PONTIFICATE

HE BEGAN IN THE 1ST YEAR OF HIS PONTIFICATE AND FINISHED IN THE 3RD.

§. 28. Paul V restored the Augustan Waters The Aqua Augusta, originally built by the Emperor Augustus (or perhaps referring to the Aqua Traiana which Paul V famously restored as the Aqua Paola). in the year 1609 after they had fallen into ruin, which is indicated by two inscriptions, one of which is found on the arch outside the city gate:

PAUL V, SUPREME ROMAN PONTIFF

RESTORED TO A GRANDER FORM

THE AQUEDUCTS BUILT BY AUGUSTUS CAESAR

WHICH HAD COLLAPSED FROM THE LONG ANTIQUITY OF TIME

IN THE YEAR OF SALVATION 1609, THE 5TH OF HIS PONTIFICATE.

§. 29. The other inscription is found on the front of the Arch itself, from which the water flows:

PAUL V, SUPREME PONTIFF

[BROUGHT] WATER IN THE FIELD OF BRACCIANO