About
One of the oldest sewer systems in the world, the "Greatest Sewer" of ancient Rome is still in use today.
The Cloaca Maxima was constructed by the Romans during the rule of Tarquinius Priscus in the 6th century BC. It was given its literal English translation of "Greatest Sewer" due to their approval of its water drainage capabilities. Though not as renowned as other monuments such a the Colosseum and The Pantheon, it has remained remarkably intact since then. Initially created to empty marshlands and shelter local rivers from flood water, it rapidly evolved into an underground sewer towards the 3rd century BC that directed waste from latrines and public baths through it.
