Vigiles Urbani

Water storage was a basic but essential part of life in Roman cities. Growing populations needed a constant supply of water. A reserve could be held, in case of fire or drought, in tanks placed along the aqueducts. Fire was a common threat in the ancient world. As many buildings were poorly made, watches were organised to prevent them. The Vigiles Urbani of Rome were a force consisting of armed citizens, equipped both to fight fires and patrol urban areas. They were not always successful: the great fire of AD64 burned for six days and destroyed a large part of Rome. As well as firewatching, the Vigiles were also used at night to keep civil order and stop sabotage or criminal activity.