Akrotiri had world's first hot and cold running water in 1700 BC. Akrotiri had paved streets, private bathtubs, public fresh water access, indoor toilets, and centralized drainage systems The city was the world's first with hot AND cold running water from two different springs - one cold, one heated by the island's volcano Ceramic pipes ran beneath streets through underground channels using gravity to lead waste away
Around 1600 BC, Akrotiri featured paved streets, cut-stone bathtubs, indoor toilets, and an advanced drainage system beneath the city. The settlement had multi-story buildings with balconies and large windows, and some homes were directly connected to piped water supplies. Ceramic gravity-fed pipes ran beneath streets through underground channels, carrying fresh water and waste away from the city 🚿🛁
Key Facts
- Akrotiri had paved streets, private bathtubs, public fresh water access, indoor toilets, and centralized drainage systems
- The city was the world's first with hot AND cold running water from two different springs - one cold, one heated by the island's volcano
- Ceramic pipes ran beneath streets through underground channels using gravity to lead waste away
- Buildings were three stories with balconies, staircases, and large windows for ventilation and lighting
- Some homes had large cut-stone bathtubs connected directly to the water pipes
- Frescoes depicted women using private hot baths scented with saffron flowers
Related site: Akrotiri - Prehistoric City — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Bronze Age Atlantis: The Buried City of Akrotiri by Luke Caverns