The high frequency with which some men think about the Roman Empire is one of the funniest memes that TikTok has ever produced. However, it must be admitted that it was such a fascinating chapter in history that it continues to influence the present. Tangible proof of this is the number of its buildings that still stand today. Here, in Spain, we can see it in one of our most beautiful and unknown towns. However, it is normal that the most impressive infrastructure, due to how well it is preserved, is found in Rome.
This is the Pons Fabricius or Ponte dei Quattro Capi, that Not only is it the oldest Roman bridge from the ancient Roman Republic that we can still find in Rome, it is preserved in its original state and, practically, unaltered by time.
Located right next to the ancient Roman Forum, this bridge crosses the Tiber River and connects the Campus Martius with the eastern side of the Tiber Island. It was built in 62 BC, although its name “quattro capi” (four heads) is later. This refers to the two four-headed herms of Janus (the two-faced god) that were moved here from the church of San Gregorio (Monte Savello) in the 14th century.
Carole Raddato
The bridge in question has a length of 62 meters and a width of 5.5 meters. It is built from two wide arches that rest on a central pillar in the middle of the channel. It is a stone bridge. Its core is built of tuff and its current exterior covering is brick and travertine.
Commissioned by Lucius Fabricius, the bridge was built a year after Cicero was appointed consul. It replaced an earlier wooden bridge, which had stood since 192 BC, and which had been destroyed in a fire. Since then, it has continued in uninterrupted use.
Pascal Reusch
Perhaps, in terms of aesthetics, it is not a bridge that stands out for its beauty but we must take into account how difficult it is to find another ancient bridge in use that has survived practically unchanged for more than 2,000 years. Although Popes Eugene IV and Innocent XI restored it later (in 1447 and 1679, respectively). If only bridges could talk…
Cover photo | Helen Simonsson
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