Follow Greek immigration and listen to Greek stories: Around 3200 BC, during a period of unprecedented prosperity for other ancient civilizations, a cultural explosion occurred in Minoan Greece, manifested by the emergence of remarkable buildings and hydraulic infrastructure. During the Minoan civilization, the development of hydraulic technology was primarily reflected in palaces, including aqueduct drinking water systems, such as water diversion channels, rainwater collection systems, and the terracotta pipe network system located beneath the floors of the Palace of Knossos; wastewater and rainwater sewer systems, such as those discovered in the palaces of Knossos, Zakros, and Phaistos; and sanitary water systems, such as toilets and bathroom flushing systems.
Water supply pipes inside the Palace of Knossos
Further development of ancient Greek Minoan hydraulic technology occurred during the Mycenaean period (approx. 1900–1100 BC). These achievements included numerous hydraulic structures (dams, embankments, polders), urban water transport systems (channels), and discharge systems (drainage and sewage systems).
The framework for prehistoric Greek water technology was formed very early, extending from the Minoan era to the peak of the Mycenaean civilization. The difference between Minoan and Mycenaean hydraulic systems is that the former focused primarily on the interior of magnificent palaces, while the latter focused on large-scale, targeted agricultural water use (irrigation and drainage).
Early Greek Period (approx. 630–490 BC)
During this period, most new cities were established in dry areas, at a distance from rivers or lakes, yet an adequate water supply remained a priority. The core of the city shifted from palaces and the Acropolis to the Agora. As the Agora gradually became the center for political, social, and commercial activities, sanitary water technology was implemented on a large scale. Urban development during this period was astonishing, and the first large-scale urban water supply facilities appeared. The main components of this major project included: the Peisistratid aqueduct, which brought water from the foothills of Mount Hymettus to the city center near the Acropolis; and the ancient Samos water supply system, also widely known as the Tunnel of Eupalinos, named after the engineer Eupalinos of Megara, who designed and built this channel.
It is worth noting that the first Greek cities to be built differed from those of other ancient civilizations; while Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley flourished in water-rich environments, early Greek cities were mostly located in dry, water-scarce regions. The Greeks had to gradually come to understand the fact that a more convenient and healthy life could be achieved in dry climatic conditions, as such conditions could protect people from waterborne diseases.
Classical Greek Period (approx. 490–323 BC)
By the Classical Greek era, although channels were built in every city, there was no significant development in hydraulic technology. Instead, notable progress appeared in water resource management systems, primarily in Athens. Furthermore, the introduction of the Hippodamian system in urban planning was a significant innovation. In the 5th century BC, the famous ancient Greek architect Hippodamus proposed that urban construction should be based on a grid road system with the city square as the center, fully embodying the spirit of democratic and egalitarian city-states. Subsequently, from the Greek period to modern times, this planning system significantly influenced urban water systems.
During this period, the physician Alcmaeon of the Croton medical school was the first to propose the idea that water quality could affect human health. In addition, contemporary treatises from the Hippocratic medical school also commented on the impact of water on human health.
Hellenistic Period (approx. 323–76 BC)
After a period of war and conflict, Greece entered a time of peace, and destroyed cities were rebuilt on their original sites. In most cases, the Hippodamian system of urban planning continued to be used. This period was characterized by scientific progress accompanied by the construction of large-scale public facilities, such as channels built to ensure an adequate water supply. Consequently, sanitary water for public baths and toilets became feasible, and previously "luxurious" water usage methods became available to all citizens. On the other hand, however, some sound water management principles implemented during the Classical Greek period were forgotten.
During the Hellenistic period, the popularity of the Hippodamian system reduced the consideration of safety in urban planning. Aristotle once warned and predicted: "If private residences could be arranged on both sides of straight streets, through modern decorative design, they could appear as described by Hippodamus. However, in wartime, for the sake of security, private residences usually adopted ancient urban planning methods. This layout makes it difficult for foreign armies to invade and difficult for them to find their own path during an attack. Therefore, the advantages of both planning methods should be combined. That is to say, the entire city should not be planned with straight streets; they should only exist in certain areas. Such a comprehensive design will balance urban safety and aesthetics."
In summary, urban water systems have existed in Greece since the Minoan civilization. The strong technical foundation of the Minoan and Mycenaean periods was the basis for subsequent advancements in advanced Greek water management technology. In early Greece, cities/city-states were established, and in a sense, urbanization began to emerge. Under autocratic rule, cities grew significantly, and urban water supply infrastructure was developed for the first time during this period. The subsequent democratic society period was mainly characterized by the construction of small-scale and non-structural hydraulic facilities; this period can be called a classroom for sustainable management, marking the importance of progress in water management systems. In the Classical Greek and Hellenistic periods, urban design and planning adopted a new dimension—the Hippodamian system—which incorporated different design concepts. The development and progress of cities designed with this concept were mainly reflected in the scale of water and sewage treatment projects, resulting in more abundant water supplies and more widespread sanitary water use. During the Roman Empire, these Greek-ruled regions were replaced, and the Roman Empire inherited these technologies and developed them further, mainly by changing the scale of application from small to large, making them applicable in almost every major city.
The development of water science and water engineering from the past to the present seems to be non-linear, often characterized by discontinuity and regression. Nevertheless, one should not dismiss past technical achievements because of contemporary advancements in relevant hydraulic technology. In particular, the current problems humanity faces, such as flood defense and surface and groundwater pollution, compel us to rethink the past and seek possible solutions from history. Some tentative reviews have surprisingly revealed that ancient water management principles are very similar to current ones, and that ancient water supply, sewage, and rainwater management systems were highly advanced. Therefore, the applicability of these ancient Greek water systems in contemporary developing countries is still worth serious consideration.