Ceramic pipes of the Roman aqueduct from Raiano village (L’Aquila, Italy): A technological study

Abstract

This work is focused on the study of ceramic pipes of the Roman aqueduct (1st century CE) from Raiano village (L’Aquila, Italy). Pipes were analysed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction to investigate the technological background and to reconstruct the provenance of the raw materials involved in the production. The presence of fragments of basic volcanic rocks such as inclusions suggests the supply of the raw materials from a local pyroclastic deposit. These results underline that during the conquest of Abruzzi territories by the Romans, the local populations were influenced by their technological skills.