Evidence of active tectonics on a Roman aqueduct system (II–III century A.D.) near Rome, Italy

In this paper we describe evidence of strong tectonic deformation affecting two aqueducts of Roman age (II–III century A.D.). The channels are located approximately 20 km northeast of Rome along the ancient Via Tiburtina. Brittle and ductile deformation affects these two structures, including extensional joint systems, NE-oriented faults, and horizontal distortion. This deformation is consistent with right-lateral movement on major N-striking faults, and represents the first evidence that tectonic deformation took place in historical times in the vicinity of Rome, with local strike–slip movement superimposed on a regional extensional fault system.