Minoan and Etruscan Hydro-Technologies
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Possible Links between Minoans, Mycenaeans and Etruscans
3. Water Harvesting and Distribution Systems
4. Cisterns
5. Groundwater and Wells
6. Drainage and Sewerage Systems
7. Discussion and Conclusions
- (a)
- The principal aspect of the Minoan water collection and distribution systems was the use of very sophisticated piped and opened gravity systems; while, the Etruscans developed a rational planning of urban areas with a clear distinction between public and private spaces with specific water systems supplying workshops.
- (b)
- The modernity and sustainability of using cisterns for surface and stormwater storage, highly developed in the Minoan Era, is illustrated by the fact that cisterns are still used today in eastern regions of the island. The Etruscans also exhibited their engineering skills (hydraulic, structural and geotechnical) in the construction of cisterns. Particularly, the Etruscan systems featured statical behavior with a wooden structure, the use of barrel vaults, and wooden ribbing.
- (c)
- Wells were used in eastern Crete from Neolithic times, but they were not as diffused as in the Etruscan area. Wells for water supply were ubiquitous in ancient Etruscan urban areas: often the termini were used as a water storage tank in order to guarantee the availability of water even in times of water scarcity.
- (d)
- All the Minoan palaces applied strategies to dispose of rainwater and wastewater with open terracotta, stone made open conduits and stone built sewers. The drainage and sewerage systems developed by the Etruscans were based on a more advanced planning of the slopes of drainage channels on the sides of streets as well as a massive use of drainage tunnels.
- (e)
- Finally, it should be stated that the Minoans and Etruscans lived in harmony with nature and their environment and their knowledge can play an important role in the sustainable water supply, wastewater, and stormwater management of future cities.
Acknowledgments
Conflict of Interest
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Angelakis, A.N.; De Feo, G.; Laureano, P.; Zourou, A. Minoan and Etruscan Hydro-Technologies. Water 2013, 5, 972-987. https://doi.org/10.3390/w5030972
Angelakis AN, De Feo G, Laureano P, Zourou A. Minoan and Etruscan Hydro-Technologies. Water. 2013; 5(3):972-987. https://doi.org/10.3390/w5030972
Chicago/Turabian StyleAngelakis, Andreas N., Giovanni De Feo, Pietro Laureano, and Anastasia Zourou. 2013. "Minoan and Etruscan Hydro-Technologies" Water 5, no. 3: 972-987. https://doi.org/10.3390/w5030972
APA StyleAngelakis, A. N., De Feo, G., Laureano, P., & Zourou, A. (2013). Minoan and Etruscan Hydro-Technologies. Water, 5(3), 972-987. https://doi.org/10.3390/w5030972