The University of Caen Normandy, via its Nocturnes of the Plan of Romeoffers an exceptional immersive experience to explore ancient Rome through fascinating virtual reconstructions. During the last session, dedicated to the Tiber floods, spectators discovered how the Eternal City survived natural disasters thanks to the ingenuity and resilience of its inhabitants. Organized by the Interdisciplinary Virtual Reality Center (CIREVE) and the Research Team on Literature, Imaginaries and Societies (ERLIS), this evening allowed us to relive the impact of the river's devastating floods on Roman town planning in the 4th century AD.
The Tiber: a key player in the history of Rome
According to legend, it was a flood of the Tiber which marked the birth of Rome. The flooded river would have deposited on its banks the basket containing Romulus and Remus, the mythical founders of the city. But beyond this myth, the Tiber always represented a major challenge for the Romans. Its spectacular floods, sometimes reaching 13 meters above the normal level, regularly flooded key areas such as the Champ de Mars or the Forum, paralyzing the city and destroying its infrastructure.
The Romans, however, never gave up living on the banks of this sacred river. On the contrary, they have developed remarkable expertise to protect their homes and monuments while rebuilding after each disaster.
Roman ingenuity in the face of floods
Faced with repeated floods, the Romans implemented sustainable solutions which remain impressive in their modernity. Among the key infrastructures:
- Reinforced foundations : Public buildings, like the Pantheon, were designed to withstand water pressure thanks to massive concrete and brick foundations.
- An innovative drainage system : The Cloaca Maxima, one of the first sewer networks in the world, allowed water from the Tiber to be evacuated and limited damage in flood-prone areas.
- Raising buildings : In the most vulnerable neighborhoods, buildings were built high to avoid damage caused by floods.
- Rigorous management : Officials called “curatores riparum” were responsible for monitoring and maintaining the banks of the Tiber, a crucial role for the protection of the city.
Despite these efforts, flooding temporarily transformed Rome into a watery landscape. The inhabitants adapted, traveling by boat and organizing food distributions for isolated neighborhoods. This model of resilience, based on innovation and solidarity, allowed Rome to overcome the challenges imposed by its river.
A troubling parallel with contemporary challenges
The reconstruction of ancient floods resonates strongly with current climate disasters. In 2024, massive floods hit cities like Valencia and Malaga in Spain, a reminder that even large modern metropolises remain vulnerable to the vagaries of nature. Rome, despite its dikes built in the 19th and 20th centuries, continues to suffer the effects of poor hydrological management and excessive urbanization.
A report from the Legambiente association highlights that Rome is the Italian city most affected by floods, with 49 episodes recorded in 14 years. This phenomenon is worsening under the effect of climate change, which intensifies torrential rains. The example of the Romans, who knew how to integrate their environment into their architecture, offers a valuable lesson: rethink our infrastructure to strengthen the resilience of cities in the face of natural disasters.
A journey through time to better understand the future
By exploring the floods of ancient Rome, the Nocturnes of the Plan of Rome question our current relationship with climate and urban planning. Far from being a simple return to the past, these virtual reconstructions pose a crucial question: how to build cities capable of resisting climatic challenges while preserving their identity and heritage?
This initiative from the University of Caen Normandy demonstrates that history can shed light on the issues of the present. The Romans, faced with challenges similar to ours, responded with innovation and adaptation. Their example invites us to think of sustainable solutions, in harmony with the forces of nature, to guarantee the future of our cities.
Illustration : DR
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