Pliny reports on the condition of public buildings and finances in Bithynia.
C. Plīnius Traiānō Imperātōrī In aquae ductum, Domine, Nīcomēdēnsēs impendērunt HS XXX CCCXVIII, quī imperfectus adhūc omissus, dēstrūctus etiam est; rūrsus in alium ductum ērogāta sunt CC. Hōc quoque relictō novō impendiō est opus, ut aquam habeant, quī tantam pecūniam male perdidērunt.
The citizens of Nicomedia, Sir, have expended three million, three hundred and twenty-nine sesterces in building an aqueduct; but, not being able to finish it, the works are entirely falling to ruin. They made a second attempt in another place, where they laid out two millions.
Ipse pervēnī ad fontem pūrissimum, ex quō vidētur aqua dēbēre perdūcī, sīcut initiō temptātum erat, arcuātō opere, nē tantum ad plāna cīvitātis et humilia perveniat. Manent adhūc paucissimī arcūs: possunt et ērigī quīdam lapide quadrātō, quī ex superiōre opere dētractus est; aliqua pars, ut mihi vidētur, testāceō opere agenda erit, id enim et facilius et vīlius.
But this likewise is discontinued; so that, after having been at an immense charge to no purpose, they must still be at further expense, in order to be accommodated with water. I have examined a fine spring from whence the water may be conveyed over arches in such a manner that the higher as well as level and low parts of the city may be supplied. There are still remaining a very few of the old arches; and the square stones, moreover, employed in the former building, may be used in turning the new arches.
Sed in prīmīs necessārium est mittī ā tē vel aquilegem vel architectum, nē rūrsus ēveniat quod accidit. Ego illud ūnum affirmō, et ūtilitātem operis et pulchritūdinem saeculō tuō esse dignissimam.
I am of opinion part should be raised with brick, as that will be the easier and cheaper material. But that this work may not meet with the same ill success as the former, it will be necessary to send here an architect, or someone skilled in the construction of this kind of waterworks. And I will venture to say, from the beauty and usefulness of the design, it will be an erection well worthy the splendour of your times.