Water and fountains in Rome: a very current topic.
The water of Rome, thanks to its abundance, is an element that has characterized the city since ancient times and which has made it possible to create large artistic and ornamental fountains and a myriad of street fountains for quenching thirst. Those fountains that we are used to and which we don't even notice anymore. Yet no other city in the world has them in such a large number and variety.
Lately, Rome's water has returned to the fore and to greater attention in the news following the drought of the summer of 2017 which led to an unexpected water crisis. The crisis has raised many questions about its actual abundance, waste and losses of water which have certainly aggravated the situation. Furthermore, it triggered a general dissatisfaction among the Romans with the first measures taken by the authorities, a sense of precariousness and consequent controversies in which everything was said.
But do the Romans actually know what they are talking and complaining about? In this book they will have the opportunity to broadly retrace the history of water in Rome, of its aqueducts, from ancient times to the present day, and above all to carefully observe 107 different examples of Roman fountains from which it is possible to drink.
Subdivision of topics in the book.
The volume consists of a first part of the Introduction dedicated to the history of Rome's water, which briefly illustrates how and by whom it has been managed over the centuries up to the present day. In the second part of the Introduction, however, we mention the editorial stance chosen for the book, the author's motivations, and the criteria adopted for the selection of the fountains are exposed, arguing about some exclusions.
Then follows the most substantial part of the book which includes 75 detailed information on fountains with description, photos, history, indication of the original and current power source, and location of street furniture that we have always used but which we should learn to know better and respect. Finally, the volume is accompanied by 4 maps, two dedicated to the fountains in the city center and two to the fountains in the suburbs for better identification in the area.
A total of 152 pages and 207 color photos in a single volume that intends to:
1) to better understand and appreciate the excellent quality of Rome's water;
2) raise awareness among citizens and tourists about the culture of sustainability in the water sector;
3) enhance and contextualize the fountains as small artistic masterpieces scattered throughout the city.
