Fucino

Lake bed in Abruzzi region, south-central Italy, 30 km/19 mi southeast of L'Aquila. Due to the lack of an outlet, the level of the lake was subject to great variation, frequently resulting in disastrous consequences. It was finally drained 1854–75, and sugar beet is now cultivated.

The Roman emperor Claudius I ordered the construction of a tunnel to carry surplus water to the River Liri. The tunnel, said to have employed 30,000 labourers for 11 years (AD 52–63), was 5 km/3 mi long with 40 inspection shafts. It was repaired during Hadrian's reign (117–138), but it again became obstructed. From 1240 various attempts were made to open it.