Economic activity
During the reign of Claudius had not neglected the economic activity, trying to improve the situation of the inhabitants, as in Rome itself, and in the provinces.
On his instructions were to build two new aqueduct whose construction had begun already in Caligula, but later suspended. The first received the name "Aqua Claudia, and the second -" anion Novus ". The total length of aqueducts was more than 96 miles, and daily consumption of water pumped on them - more than 250 000 cu. m has also been restored effete "Aqua Virgo, which gave an additional 100 000 cubic. m per day. Last aqueduct works in Rome so far, cherishing its fountains, including the fountain Tre.
Serious attention is paid post Claudius in the empire. During his reign, was built canal linking the Rhine to the sea, as well as the road from Germany to Italy. Also, they have built a new port city, which can reduce the shortage of grain that came by sea from Egypt, as the port of Ostia, already unable to cope. The city received the name of the port and located in 2,5 km to the north of Ostia. From him was built the canal to Ostia, the vessels can be easily at any time to climb it in a new port. Also, to increase interest among traders in the transportation of grain, have been reduced taxes on trade in grain, imposed Caligula and put some privileges for merchants, including receipt of Roman citizenship.
Another area in which the Emperor paid great attention - is an attempt to increase in Italy's irrigated land suitable for cultivation. During the reign of Claudius was the first attempt to drain Fucino lake. For its drainage was dug a tunnel through the hills of Monte Salviano. The tunnel was built 11 years, but the drainage was unsuccessful. The tunnel was too small, the water flooding in from the lake and flooded the adjoining land and washed away the competitors, who were supposed to mark such a significant event. Claudius, like other participants, had to flee. Further attempts to drain the lake repeated Trajan and Hadrian in ancient time, Frederick II in the Middle Ages, and finally it was drained by Prince Alessandro Torlonia in 1875.