Technology
The ancient Romans also had a complex system of aqueducts, which were used to transport water across long distances. The first Roman aqueduct was built in 312 BCE. The eleventh and final ancient Roman aqueduct was built in 226 CE. Put together, the Roman aqueducts extended over 450 kilometers, but less than seventy kilometers of this was above ground and supported by arches.
Wignacourt Aqueduct
The first fountain which was connected to the aqueduct was the original Wignacourt Fountain (demolished), located in St. George's Square in Valletta, facing the Grandmaster's Palace. This fountain was symbolic of Wignacourt as, similar to the other monuments of the aqueduct, it had a Fleur-des-Lis on top. There is an early 18th century painting of the square with this fountain included. The inauguration ceremony of the aqueduct on 21 April 1615 was held at this fountain. The original fountain was Baroque but less decorated and was ordered to be demolished on 2 January 1745.