Fucino

Fucino, LAKE OF, or LAGO DI CELANO (ancient Fucinus Laeus), a lake of Italy, in the province of Aquila, with an area of 61 sq. m., is situated 2172 feet above sea-level. Being only 75 feet deep and having no constant outflow, it was subject to sudden risings, which on more than one occasion inundated the surrounding regions. To obviate this danger the Emperor Claudius cut a subterranean channel, nearly 3 miles in length, through the solid rock of Monte Salviano, 30,000 men being engaged in the work from 44 to 54 A.D. This tunnel, however, soon became obstructed and long remained so, notwithstanding various attempts to clear it. As the lake had been steadily rising from 1783, a new canal was made (1852-62) by the Swiss engineer De Montricher. By 1875 the lake was dry; it is now under cultivation.