The chorobates, described by
Vitruvius
Vitruvius (; c. 80–70 BC – after c. 15 BC) was a Roman architect and engineer during the 1st century BC, known for his multi-volume work entitled '' De architectura''. He originated the idea that all buildings should have three attribut ...
in Book VIII of the ''
De architectura'', was used to measure horizontal planes and was especially important in the construction of
aqueducts.
Similar to modern
spirit level
A spirit level, bubble level, or simply a level, is an instrument designed to indicate whether a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical ( plumb). Different types of spirit levels may be used by carpenters, stonemasons, bricklayers, ...
s, 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 ...
*
Chorography
Chorography (from wikt:χῶρος, χῶρος ''khōros'', "place" and wikt:γράφω, γράφειν ''graphein'', "to write") is the art of describing or mapping a region or district, and by extension such a description or map. This term der ...
*
Odometer
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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