The Aqua Anio Vetus was an ancient Roman aqueduct, and the second oldest after the Aqua Appia.[1]
The Anio Vetus was an engineering masterpiece, especially considering its early date and complexity of construction; it was four times as long as the Aqua Appia, its source much higher, its flow was more than twice,[2]: §6–20 and it supplied water to higher elevations of the city. However, the Anio Vetus had muddy and discoloured water[2]: §15 and probably did not supply drinking water to the Roman aristocracy.
It was commissioned in 272 BC and funded by treasures seized after the victory against Pyrrhus of Epirus.[citation needed] The aqueduct took water from the Anio river and acquired the nickname of Vetus ("old") only after the Anio Novus was built almost three centuries later.[2]: §13
Two magistrates were appointed by the Senate to instigate the project, the censors Manius Curius Dentatus (who died five days after the assignment) and Flavius Flaccus.[citation needed]