Water in Ancient Mediterranean Households

This book provides the first detailed study of the water supply of households in antiquity, exploring settings from Classical Greece to the Late Roman Empire across a wide variety of environments. It focuses on three interconnected aspects: rainwater harvesting in cisterns, households and water at the margins, and other waters for houses. It offers a wealth of new research to augment our understanding of water as a resource in the ancient Mediterranean.

Format: Hardback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate details of household water supply in antiquity,spanning a vast geographical range from Classical Greece to the Late Roman Empire. Through a series of engaging chapters, it explores diverse environments, including arid deserts, temperate Mediterranean zones, and wet and temperate climates further north. The book unites its case studies through three interconnected themes: rainwater harvesting in cisterns, the adaptation of household water supply systems to harsh environmental conditions, and the use of other water sources such as rivers, water-bearers, stepped pools, and wells.

By meticulously examining the water supply of households, the book offers valuable insights into the daily lives, anxieties, and social dynamics of ancient societies. It sheds light on the decision-making processes, resource management strategies, and social inequalities that shaped the use and distribution of water in the ancient Mediterranean and beyond.

This book is a valuable resource for archaeologists, historians, and scholars interested in ancient households, water culture, and the broader socio-economic and cultural aspects of the ancient Mediterranean world. Its detailed research and analysis provide a wealth of new information that enhances our understanding of water as a resource and its significance in shaping ancient societies.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032213972