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Agree Quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

“Marshes that are stagnant and have no outlets either by rivers or ditches, like the Pomptine marshes, merely putrefy as they stand, emitting heavy, unhealthy vapors. A case of a town built in such a spot was Old Salpia in Apulia ... Year after year there was sickness, until finally the suffering…” quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio
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“Marshes that are stagnant and have no outlets either by rivers or ditches, like the Pomptine marshes, merely putrefy as they stand, emitting heavy, unhealthy vapors. A case of a town built in such a spot was Old Salpia in Apulia ... Year after year there was sickness, until finally the suffering inhabitants came with a public petition to Marcus Hostilius and got him to agree to seek and find them a proper place to which to remove their city.”

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

About This Quote

Source Treatise: De Architectura, Book I, Chapter III, 1st century BC

Stagnant marshes without drainage become unhealthy, causing disease for nearby settlements.

In simple terms: Stagnant marshes cause disease.

Key Takeaway

Ensure proper drainage to prevent illness.

Themes

environment health urban planning

Mood

concerned pragmatic

Type

historical technical

When to use this quote

  • city planning
  • environmental remediation
  • public health policy

Key Concepts

hydrology public health civil engineering

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can modern cities retrofit drainage in historic areas?
  • What are the trade‑offs between preserving wetlands and protecting health?
A Different Perspective

Drainage projects require resources and political will.

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