The simple gravity dam was constructed of masonry and stood roughly 410m above sea level.

As well as the high standard of living and general splendour, we also hear about systems of waterworks, extensive parklands, and festival banquets.

With their conversion to sources of drinking water for the capital, these structures received regular inspection and repair thereafter.

One of them suggests a fairly favourable location directly below Nero's villa, where the valley narrows to a bottleneck.

[8] According to Arnold Esch, the original location of the dam is indisputedly the narrow area at the Ponte di San Mauro, the stream joining the Aniene at the road to Arcinazzo.

[9] In that place, traces of incorporation into the rockface can be seen and a bit further downriver cement residue, i.e. Roman concrete from the mortar, has been found.