The ancient city of Knossos on the island of Crete boasts a rich history of innovative engineering and architectural features. Among its notable achievements, Knossos was home to one of the earliest known water supply and sewage systems for an entire city.
The exact founding date of the ancient city of Knossos on the island of Crete is not known with certainty. It is believed to have been established during the Bronze Age, around 2000 BC or possibly earlier.
The water supply system featured clay pipes that transported water from sources in distant areas like Kounavon and Archanes to the city's aqueduct. This network provided essential water distribution to the city's homes and buildings.
In addition to the advanced water supply and sewage systems, Knossos employed other architectural and engineering techniques to enhance the quality of life for its residents. The design of the clay pipes included tip coatings for smooth joints, sawdust to ensure secure connections, and properly shaped ends to optimize water flow. These innovations not only facilitated the efficient delivery of water but also minimized turbulence, ensuring a clean and functional system.
Furthermore, the city's approach to managing temperature and climate was ahead of its time. The use of white colour on buildings helped reflect heat and reduce the impact of the sun's rays. Planting evergreen trees on the north side of houses and deciduous trees on the south side contributed to natural cooling and shading, providing comfort to the inhabitants.
Notably, the Knossos sewage system incorporated the use of siphons, showcasing an early understanding of hygiene and the importance of eliminating undesirable odours in residential areas.
Another element that proves the evolutionary superiority of Knossos in relation to the other known buildings of the period is the way in which some rooms of the palace were heated. There were pipes under the floor through which hot water flowed and heated the entire room. This early form of underfloor heating showcased the Minoans' forward-thinking approach to comfort and climate control within their architectural design.
These engineering feats offer a fascinating glimpse into the sophistication of this ancient city, which continues to inspire and inform our understanding of early urban development and infrastructure.
