PATRAS - Kato Samakia (Roman aqueduct) - 2001

Patras, Kato Samakia (Roman aqueduct). M. Petropoulos (Στ’ ΕΠΚΑ) reports the investigation of two parallel built water channels (originally underground structures now exposed) related to the acqueduct system. The channels appear to be contemporary constructions. A few Roman sherds and a bronze coin of Opountian Lokris (338-300BC) were found inside them. An inspection shaft built of unworked stones and cement and with cuttings for support to facilitate access, was located 1.8m northeast of the exposed channel sections. The role of the channels, which are in the Aroe valley and not on the direct course of the acqueduct, remains to be determined, although they may have introduced into the system water from the Bala spring or have replaced a collapsed overground section in the valley leading up to the acropolis.