To my dear Augustus, Emperor of Rome,
Now, I say we get down to how my client made such a work!
Now, we are not fools; my client and I know that, just like how we are building upon the already constructed aqueduct, using techniques from before will help enhance our work. My client used a tool known as a groma to make sure that the angels and the planes were level and exact.
Now, we are not fools; my client and I know that, just like how we are building upon the already constructed aqueduct, using techniques from before will help enhance our work. My client used a tool known as a groma to make sure that the angels and the planes were level and exact.
We my client sought out the best gromatici, who were operators of the groma. They knew that since the groma were perfectly vertical, they were able to calculate the steadiness of the additions to the aqueduct. The gromatici workers would stab the ferramento on the ground, thanks to the spear-like end. Then they would asses the string like contraptions hanging from the rostro. The gromatici were so skilled, that their trained eyes could see if the strings slanted or the were perfectly parallel.
Stone masons were also brought in to cut stones and slabs of other materials for the expansion of the aqueduct. They would cut large veins of stone using mallets and chisels. Many were hired to do so, since the expansion was quite large. Only the finest were selected to do such a delicate job. The stones had to be cut precisely; if too big, the stone would have had to be cut again, and if too small, then the stone section would be rubbish and gone to waste.
Stone masons were also brought in to cut stones and slabs of other materials for the expansion of the aqueduct. They would cut large veins of stone using mallets and chisels. Many were hired to do so, since the expansion was quite large. Only the finest were selected to do such a delicate job. The stones had to be cut precisely; if too big, the stone would have had to be cut again, and if too small, then the stone section would be rubbish and gone to waste.
The stonemasons also helped my client on the planning of the extension on the aqueduct. They worked out the math, making sure that the arches that were above ground had the vital key stones; that the pressure was just right so that the whole would not collapse. With their shared experience, there is no doubt that the extensions on the aqueduct will remain for much time to come before more construction is needed.
I suspect that stone masonry will be in much use in the future. Strong buildings are made almost exclusively of stones and clay mixes to hold them together. There is also much respect held for stonemasons. Their knowledge and intelligence and delicacy for how they handle their trade is admirable. No doubt that technology will continue to evolve, allowing for a wider variety of stones to be cut and shaped. While the technology will change, the simple art behind the trade will remain the same, as will the respect held for stonemasons.
Cranes were also used to lift heavy cuts of stone to high areas on the aqueduct.
I suspect that stone masonry will be in much use in the future. Strong buildings are made almost exclusively of stones and clay mixes to hold them together. There is also much respect held for stonemasons. Their knowledge and intelligence and delicacy for how they handle their trade is admirable. No doubt that technology will continue to evolve, allowing for a wider variety of stones to be cut and shaped. While the technology will change, the simple art behind the trade will remain the same, as will the respect held for stonemasons.
Cranes were also used to lift heavy cuts of stone to high areas on the aqueduct.
Using the pincers-like grips at the end of the heavy rope, my client ordered the slaves to attach the cuts of stone to it. Then, with several slaves and other available men, they would haul the stone cutting up, where other men would have them carefully and meticulously arranged to my clients directions.
The beast of a machine was not perfect; it did catch on itself in some places and could be in room for improvement. There is no doubt in my mind that this will likely be further improved upon. I believe that the principle will remain the same: a glorified simple machine, the pulley, transferring impossibly large and heavy objects to a higher location. However, some more durable material may be used; wood is prone to termites and splinters if not taken properly cared for. Also, maybe slaves would not be used in the future? A crazy idea, I know, but many of the slaves died or got injured due to stress. I hate to see so many useful objects pass away; they are expensive to replace. Instead, I think, like with the masons' tools, they will develop higher quality technology. Something stronger than wood, but still flexible and durable. The deities only know.
Slaves, as You may know, were heavily used during the expansion of the aqueduct. Their brute force allowed for such a speedy expansion (which was, of course, helped by the expertise the my client held). They hauled cuttings of stone, transported wheelbarrows full of rubble aside, along with other gunk materials that were not needed. Obviously, they were not part of any of the decision making, seeing as they would not know how to even approach such a feat. That was left to the genius of my client and some stonemasons.
The beast of a machine was not perfect; it did catch on itself in some places and could be in room for improvement. There is no doubt in my mind that this will likely be further improved upon. I believe that the principle will remain the same: a glorified simple machine, the pulley, transferring impossibly large and heavy objects to a higher location. However, some more durable material may be used; wood is prone to termites and splinters if not taken properly cared for. Also, maybe slaves would not be used in the future? A crazy idea, I know, but many of the slaves died or got injured due to stress. I hate to see so many useful objects pass away; they are expensive to replace. Instead, I think, like with the masons' tools, they will develop higher quality technology. Something stronger than wood, but still flexible and durable. The deities only know.
Slaves, as You may know, were heavily used during the expansion of the aqueduct. Their brute force allowed for such a speedy expansion (which was, of course, helped by the expertise the my client held). They hauled cuttings of stone, transported wheelbarrows full of rubble aside, along with other gunk materials that were not needed. Obviously, they were not part of any of the decision making, seeing as they would not know how to even approach such a feat. That was left to the genius of my client and some stonemasons.
Signed,