Dr Amanda Kelly Unveils the Secrets of the Roman Aqueduct of Lyttos at Peking University

Dr Amanda Kelly is giving a talk in the Centre for Classical and Medieval Studies at Peking University on Friday, 28 March, 18:30-20:30.

In 2024, Amanda Kelly and Calliope E. Gkalanaki launched their collaborative project focusing on the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos, Pediada, east central Crete, one of the most important ancient cities of the Cretan Homeric Ekatompolis. In September 2024, together with their colleague Anna C. Moles (University of Groningen), they plotted almost the full length of the aqueduct using a handheld Catalyst Trimble GPS with a centimetre accuracy margin.

The Roman aqueduct of Lyttos is striking in terms of the inaccessibility of its highest tracts, the sheer scale of its walling, and its astounding pressurised system. Following the field study, a strong argument for military involvement in its construction can be put forward, in keeping with Pavlina Karanastasi’s model. Moreover, the 2024 survey also established that the castellum (a brick-faced and buttressed structure to the east of the city limits) rests at an altitude of c. 640m amsl, presenting huge potential for urban growth below this contour in the Roman imperial period. Amanda Kelly will present their most recent fieldwork, guiding her audience along the length of this impressive water system.