Professor Gregory Aldrete explains how the largest city in the ancient world dealt with the perpetual threat of flooding and what we can learn from Rome’s experiences on Tuesday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main St.

Ancient Rome, perhaps the largest and most architecturally sophisticated Western city until the Victorian era, was frequently the victim of violent floods. The Tiber River could rise as much as 50 feet above normal water levels and leave large sections of the city submerged for up to a week at a time.

Aldrete will discuss the history and characteristics of these floods, their effects on the city, and how Romans attempted to prevent or alleviate the flooding.

The event is funded by the Archaeological Institute of America and co-sponsored by the Classical and Ancient Studies Program at the University of Missouri – Kansas City.

Aldrete is a professor of history and humanistic studies at the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay.