Using and Conquering the Watery World in Greco-Roman Antiquity

This volume considers how Greco-Roman authorities manipulated water on the practical technological and political levels. Water was controlled and harnessed with legal oversight and civic infrastructure (e.g. aqueducts). Waterways were 'improved' and made accessible by harbors canals and lighthouses. The Mediterranean Sea and Outer Ocean (and numerous rivers) were mastered by navigation for warfare exploration settlement maritime trade and the exploitation of marine resources (such as fishing). These waterways were also a robust source of propaganda on coins public monuments and poetic encomia as governments vied to establish maintain or spread their identities and predominance. <br/> <br/> This first complete study of the ancient scientific and public engagement with water makes a major contribution to classics geography hydrology and the history of science alike. In the ancient Mediterranean Basin water was a powerful tool of human endeavor employed for industry trade hunting and fishing and as an element in luxurious aesthetic installations (public and private fountains). The relationship was complex and pervasive touching on every aspect of human life from mundane acts of collecting water for the household to private and public issues of comfort and health (latrines sewers baths) to the identity of the state writ large.