Water Management in Ancient Greek Cities

ISBN-13: 9780195072808 / Angielski / Twarda / 1993 / 400 str.

Dora P. Crouch

Opis

Focusing on the Mediterranean area where water management is crucial, this pioneering study is the first to show how the supply, distribution, and drainage of water contributed to the urbanization of ancient cities. Drawing from classical archaeology, the theory and history of urbanization, geology, and hydraulic engineering, Crouch examines water-system elements, including springs, fountains, wells, channels and drains, latrines, laundry, and dishwashing, as they relate to each other and to the physical, historical, and social bases of ancient Greek cities. Studying numerous sites including Pompeii, Pergamon, Athens, Samos, Delphi, and Corinth, she concludes that increased knowledge and skill in management of water contributed directly to the urbanization of the ancient Greek world. Illustrated with excellent photographs and line drawings, the discussions of supply, distribution, and drainage of water are organized topically, rather than chronologically or by site, offering an excellent example of the interdisciplinary approach. Crouch's study raises stimulating questions for further research, indicates entirely new directions for established academic disciplines, and suggests useful procedures for modern cities facing problems of water supply and management.

Recenzje

there are some very good things. The author brings out the importance of Karst geology for the choice of site and water supply (chs 7 ff.) ; stresses the multiple sources of supply and the diverse use of different grades of water, potable, subpotable, and waste; gives illuminating accounts of sites with reference to their springs, waterlines, and cisterns... and useful descriptions and illustrations of 'fittings' ... and generally points future excavators to neglected aspects of archaeology.