Arcus Claudii

Just ahead of you on the Via Lata stands the Arcus Claudii. Craning backwards, you strain in the bright sunlight to read the dedicatory inscription across the top. Once within the welcoming shade of the dim passageway, you pause to rest. While leaning back against the cool stone, you imagine what it must have been like to serve in the ranks of Claudius's legions on the fringes of the then-known world. Suddenly, sensing a cold clamminess spreading along your spine, you wheel around to note the dark stain of seepage on the wall. A teasing TAP, TAP upon head and shoulder draws your gaze aloft, where the discolored roof of the arch tells the tale: the Aqua Virgo is once again in need of repair.