chorobates

The chorobates was a surveying instrument used by the ancient Romans for measuring horizontal distances and leveling ground. It was essentially a long wooden beam, typically about 20 feet in length, supported by adjustable legs. Along the top of the beam, a groove was carved and filled with water. A plumb line was also suspended from the center of the beam.

The principle behind the chorobates was to create a stable and level reference. By adjusting the legs until the water in the groove remained perfectly still and the plumb line hung straight down, surveyors could establish a true horizontal line. This level line could then be used to transfer elevations over long distances, a crucial task in the construction of aqueducts, roads, and other large-scale infrastructure projects. The instrument's accuracy was sufficient for the engineering demands of the time. While not as precise as modern leveling devices, the chorobates represented a significant technological advancement in ancient surveying, allowing for the meticulous planning and execution of ambitious Roman construction endeavors. Its design demonstrated a practical understanding of physics and geometry for practical application.