Water for men or water for the Gods? The caput aquae of the aqueduct of Santa Maria in Stelle (Verona)

The hypogeum of Santa Maria in Stelle, Verona, is mainly known as a place of Christian worship,built between 4th century CE and 5th century CE. This paper traces the previous phases of the monument, through the analysis of archaeological records, ancient cartography, and historical sources, and explores the reasons for its construction and the people involved. In fact, the site was not originally a place of worship, but a service facility, acting as the caput aquae of a small aqueduct, which has been traced back to Pomponius Cornelianus, consuland curator, who lived between 2nd century CE and 3rd century CE.