We can learn a lot from ancient civilizations about modern water management

Oct 13, 2021

An aerial view of the River Nile valley and desert pictured through the window of an airplane on a flight between Cairo and Luxor, Egypt April 11, 2021. Picture taken April 11, 2021.

Ancient cultures have constructed complex water management systems that included dams, catchment systems, underground cisterns and aqueducts. Image: REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

Craig A. Harvey

Postdoctoral Associate, Department of Classics, Western University

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The Treasury, a monumental tomb carved from bedrock by the Nabatean civilization in the Petra archeological park, in southern Jordan. The Nabateans dug diversion tunnels to protect their capital of Petra against flash floods.

The Nabateans civilisation dug diversion tunnels to protect their capital of Petra against flash floods. Image: Sam McNeil

A segment of the Nabataean aqueduct in the Petra Siq, which brought water to the city. Image: John Oleson

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Covering aqueducts and reservoirs with solar panels could reduce evaporation — and generate electricity. Image: AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli

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