Chorobates

The chorobates or Chorobat (from gr χωροβἀτης from χῶρος Choros "place " and βἀτης Bates " goers " ) was a surveying instrument in ancient Rome. It can also be referred to as a measuring beam and is an early form of a leveling device.

There is only a description of Vitruvius (VIII, 5, 1 ), sketches or even preserved finds there is not. However, were his looks and functionality already widely employed considerations, such as Leonardo da Vinci.

The chorobates consisted of a 20 foot ( 6 m) long carrier with vertical supports, usually made ​​entirely of wood. He was leveled with either solder or by observing the level in a water-filled channel on the carrier. Besides the described below use as leveling the chorobates could be used as a type of water balance. Along the upper edge of carrier or may be more appropriate Visurmarken a horizontal direction finding on a special bar with a movable target was possible. Due to the length of the device great accuracies were reached. However, a special manufacturing precision was needed.

The chorobates was especially ( viaducts ) and tunnels used in the construction of water pipes ( aqueducts ), bridges.