Chapter 1
Ancient channels of the gods
Chapter 2
The Great Stink and the trap of genius
Chapter 3
The physics of the flush
Chapter 4
The future of the flow
YOUR GOAL
Master of The secret life of pipes
Ch 1 · Ancient channels of the gods
artiteacher Roman Aqueducts
Eleven aqueducts flow on down! (Flow on down!) / Clean mountain water to the town! (To the town!)
artiteacher Early metal lines drained ritual wastewater from Sahure's temple chambers into the desert sand, proving the Egyptians understood
artiteacher Towering stone arches of a Roman aqueduct stretch across the grassy landscape.
Fun Fact
Roman bath water: The Romans didn't use soap, so they scraped dirt off their skin using olive oil and a curved metal tool called a strigil.
Glossary
aqueduct (noun)
An artificial channel or conduit designed to transport water from a distant source to a population center. In 312 BCE, the Romans built the Aqua Appia, their first major gravity-fed water conduit.
An artificial channel or conduit designed to transport water from a distant source to a population center. In 312 BCE, the Romans built the Aqua Appia, their first major gravity-fed water conduit.
Quiz
Which ancient civilization in modern-day Pakistan had indoor plumbing and covered street sewers as early as 2500 BC?
Quiz
What material did the Indus Valley builders use to seal their terracotta pipes and make them watertight?
Quiz
Which ancient Roman official was responsible for managing the city's water supply and aqueducts?
Quiz
What was the primary purpose of Rome's famous Cloaca Maxima when it was first constructed around 600 BC?
Quiz
What physical force did ancient Roman aqueducts rely on to transport water over dozens of miles?
Quiz
What unique material did the ancient Minoans of Crete use to construct their highly advanced water pipes?
Quiz
In ancient Egypt, why were copper pipes installed inside some pyramids and temples?