The chorobates, described by
Vitruvius in Book VIII of the ''
De architectura
(''On architecture'', published as ''Ten Books on Architecture'') is a treatise on architecture written by the Roman architect and military engineer Marcus Vitruvius Pollio and dedicated to his patron, the emperor Caesar Augustus, as a guide f ...
'', was used to measure horizontal planes and was especially important in the construction of
aqueducts.
Similar to modern
spirit levels, the chorobates consisted of a beam of wood 6 m in length held by two supporting legs and equipped with two plumb lines at each end. The legs were joined to the beam by two diagonal rods with carved notches. If the notches corresponding to the plumb lines matched on both sides, it showed that the beam was level. On top of the beam, a groove or channel was carved. If the condition was too windy for the plumb bobs to work effectively, the surveyor could pour water into the groove and measure the plane by checking the water level.
See also
*
Groma
*
Dioptra
A dioptra (sometimes also named dioptre or diopter, from el, διόπτρα) is a classical astronomical and surveying instrument, dating from the 3rd century BC. The dioptra was a sighting tube or, alternatively, a rod with a sight at b ...
*
Chorography
*
Odometer
An odometer or odograph is an instrument used for measuring the distance traveled by a vehicle, such as a bicycle or car. The device may be electronic, mechanical, or a combination of the two (electromechanical). The noun derives from ancient Gr ...
References
*
*M. J. T. Lewis. ''Surveying Instruments of Greece and Rome''. Cambridge University Press. . 2001. p 31.
External links
Surveying and engineering in Ancient Rome
Measuring instruments
Surveying
Ancient Greece
Ancient Roman architecture
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