Definition The term "Sarnıç, Ulus" refers to the ancient Roman cisterns located within the Ulus district of Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. These structures are significant archaeological remnants of the Roman Imperial period, serving as vital components of the city's historical water supply infrastructure.
Overview The Roman cisterns in Ulus are part of a larger complex of Roman-era archaeological sites in the heart of Ankara, which was known as Ancyra during Roman times. They were primarily constructed to store water, providing a reliable supply for the city's inhabitants and public facilities, most notably the nearby Roman Baths of Ankara. These subterranean or semi-subterranean reservoirs demonstrate advanced Roman engineering and urban planning, showcasing the commitment to public utilities in ancient cities. Today, they stand as historical monuments, offering insights into the daily life and infrastructure of Roman Ancyra.
Etymology/Origin The term "Sarnıç" is a Turkish word meaning "cistern" or "reservoir." "Ulus" is a prominent historical district in Ankara, deriving its name from the Turkish word for "nation." The cisterns themselves date back to the Roman Imperial period. While specific construction dates for all cisterns might vary, they are generally associated with the peak of Roman influence in Ancyra, particularly linked to the construction of the large public works such as the Roman Baths, which date primarily to the 3rd century CE. Their origin is rooted in the necessity of providing an efficient and robust water system for a thriving Roman provincial capital.
Characteristics
- Location: The cisterns are situated in the Ulus district of Ankara, strategically located near other major Roman ruins, including the Roman Baths, the Column of Julian, and the Temple of Augustus and Rome.
- Function: Their primary purpose was water storage, collecting rainwater and water supplied via aqueducts to ensure a consistent water source for residential areas, public fountains, and large public complexes like the Roman Baths.
- Construction: Roman cisterns were typically built using robust masonry techniques, often employing a waterproof hydraulic mortar known as opus signinum (a mix of lime, sand, and crushed pottery or brick) to line the interiors and prevent leakage. They were often vaulted structures, providing structural integrity and protecting the water from contamination.
- Architectural Significance: These structures are examples of Roman civil engineering prowess, highlighting their mastery of hydrology and construction to support urban populations. They vary in size, with some being quite extensive to meet the demands of a large city.
- Archaeological Context: The cisterns are integral to the understanding of ancient Ancyra's urban plan and its resource management systems. They are part of the protected archaeological zone in Ulus, subject to ongoing research and conservation efforts.
Related Topics
- Roman Baths of Ankara
- Ancyra (ancient city)
- Roman architecture
- Water management in ancient Rome
- Ulus (Ankara)
- Archaeology of Turkey