During the 2nd century AD, a water conveyance system was built on the site of the present-day Cité Judiciaire to transport drinking water. The water was transported by oak pipes a little over 2 meters long. They were placed end to end with a metal sealing socket. A rectangular hole (protected by a cover) was made in each of them, which served as a manhole, allowing access to the internal pipe either for drawing water or for maintenance. Four of them bear a double stamp marked with iron: R P B V, for RES PVBLICA BITVRIGVM VIVISCORVM: "property of the Bituriges Vivisques territory. "
These inscriptions are very precious indications on the organization of the transport and distribution of water in the city of the Bituriges Vivisques (Celtic people settled in Burdigala). This public arrangement testifies to the control and mastery of the public authority in the field of distribution and management of drinking water in Burdigala. The same is true for the sewage system.
These pipes were installed between 158 and 162 AD, dating obtained by dendrochronology (dating by the number of rings read in the wood cut).
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