THE CLOACA MAXIMA.

THE CLOACA MAXIMA. The History Channel has recently had some wonderful programs about Roman engineering. One of the earliest Roman engineering feats was the Cloaca Maxima (the Great Sewer), which not only served as a sewer, but also was instrumental in draining the swampy land among the Seven Hills. This article describes how archaeologists may have found under the Palatine Hill the chamber which the Romans honored as the place where the wolf cared for Romulus and Remus. It also describes how much trouble they are having with instability of sites on the hill and a possible solution: “Experts said Tuesday they are considering restoring the ancient Roman sewage system to help drain rainwater.”