Water Management in Ancient Greek Cities [Hardcover]

Dora P. Crouch (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195072804 | ISBN-13: 978-0195072808 | Publication Date: June 24, 1993

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Readers will find [Crouch's] presentation innovative and provocative, and they will also learn much from it....There is a vast amount of information here based on twenty years of careful observation and study, and considerable collaboration with geologists, hydraulic engineers, and urban historians."--Bryn Mawr Classical Review

"Water Management in Ancient Greek Cities is an important contribution to the growing corpus of cross-cultural information and critical reinterpretation of the significance water manipulation has played in socioeconomic organization."--National Geographic Research and Exploration

"This is a very personal book. Crouch's energetic personality is clear on every page, in the enthusiastic, confident reconstructions and analyses of Greek hydraulic technology."--Geoarchaeology: An International Journal

"Water Management in Ancient Greek Cities is a thoughtful, interesting book."--Annals of the Association of American Geographers

"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."--Environmental Geology

About the Author

Dora P. Crouch is at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Emeritus).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (June 24, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195072804
• ISBN-13: 978-0195072808
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,478,852 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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