Thirst

Water and Power in the Ancient World

By: Steven Mithen

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Paperback | 15 August 2013 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
256 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
2.3 x 12.8 x 19.8

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The planet faces a 21st-century global water crisis - but to what extent is this really new? Past societies and ancient civilisations have always faced climate change and been dependent on their ability to harness and manage a water supply. This has often been a key driver of historical change, leading to some of the most remarkable engineering projects of antiquity. In Thirst, renowned archaeologist and prehistorian Steven Mithen examines the history of water management in the ancient world. From the first flushing toilets at Knossos on Minoan Crete to the aqueducts of Petra and the Incas, from the bath houses of Rome to the canals of ancient China and the vast reservoirs of the Khmer and Maya civilisations, water management is shown to have been not only essential for human survival but a source of political power. It will remain so as we face global climate change, population growth and mega-urbanisation on a massive scale. So, does the past give us reason for hope or for despair?

About the Author

Steven Mithen is a Pro Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Early Prehistory at the University of Reading, UK. He was elected as a Fellow of the British Academy in 2004.

Industry Reviews

Though somewhat dense, and indeed dry in parts, this is an informative and important study of the lessons to be learned from past civilisations. -- P D Smith * THE GUARDIAN *
Who would think that a study of ancient hydraulic engineering could be so revelatory, so engrossing? * THE INDEPENDENT *
A dense, thought-provoking study of the management of water supplies in the ancient world, taking in the aqueducts of Petra, the canals of Ancient China and the bath houses of Rome * THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *

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