Minoan engineers were remarkably advanced — around 1700 BC, Knossos had sanitation rivaling 1700 AD European cities. Archaeologists uncovered drains, terracotta pipes, and possibly the world's earliest flushing toilets. Massive pithoi jars stored olive oil and grain, with some even used for burials. 🚿🏺
Minoan hydraulic engineering: drainage, flushing latrines, and pithoi storage at Knossos
GreeceGeneral
Key facts
- Minoan engineers constructed sophisticated systems for rainwater collection, fresh water transport, flood control, and waste removal
- Archaeologists uncovered drains, channels, wells, cisterns, and networks of terracotta pipes
- Some drainage passages were large enough for a person to enter
- Around 1700 BC, Knossos had sanitation comparable to European cities of 1700 AD
- Latrine facilities connected with drainage channels, possibly the world's earliest flushing toilets
- Grand staircase featured broad stone steps, landings supported by columns, and integrated light wells for natural illumination
- Pithoi ceramic storage jars could hold hundreds of gallons of olive oil, wine, grain, and other products
- Hundreds of pithoi were kept in long storage magazines at Knossos, forming a major economic redistribution system
- Some Minoans were buried inside pithoi in a contracted position; other burial types included tholos tombs, chamber tombs, caves, and clay larnakes
Site mentioned
Sources
Knossosen.wikipedia.org
The palace was reconstructed with its central court, drainage systems and richly decorated wall paintings. making Knossos the largest known Minoan centre.
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Knossos, had an efficient water system to bring in clean water, remove sewage and storm sewer channels so that they overflowed when it rained heavily.
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(PDF) The Drainage system in the East Wing at Knossosacademia.edu
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