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Water supply

The Romans solved the problems of access to fresh water and sewage removal through a combination of pre-existing (largely Greek and Etruscan) technologies and their own techniques and materials and water distribution systems helped shape Rome. Although Roman systems fell into disuse in most of medieval Europe, water supply was crucial in the Arabic cities, most of which were situated in arid regions and depended on complex canal networks. Islamic engineers developed hydraulic technology (including water wheels, aqueducts and large dams) often relying on Roman techniques, customised to meet current needs. For example, huge water wheels irrigated crops in the urban hinterland, helping to sustain large urban populations; public baths were developed in ways that made best use of limited water. Where there were urban tenements, Arabic engineers developed a complex sanitation system involving flues on each floor that carried waste through underfloor channels to cess-pits (Chant & Goodman, 1999:p137). Although inferior to Roman solutions, this system permitted a city form with high dwellings.

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References

• Chant, C. and Goodman, D. (eds) (1999) Pre-industrial Cities and Technology, London, Routledge, in association with The Open University.
• Chant, C (ed) (1999) The Pre-industrial Cities and Technology Reader, London, Routledge, in association with The Open University.

Events

Etrusia is in the process of compiling a list of national events. If you are organising, supporting, publicising or simply know of an event related to any part of the UK history then let us know and we will add it to our list.

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