Karen Mutton: Water Realms, Technology of the Ancients

Water Realms is a unique book that surveys water management and technologies in ancient societies. From the flushing toilets of ancient Crete to the qanats of Persia, aqueducts of Rome, cascading tank systems of Sri Lanka and the great baths of the Indus Valley to the eel traps of southern Australia, ancients on all continents were managing water in unique ways. Water Realms explores ancient irrigation projects, urban sanitation and forgotten technologies employed to bring fresh water to ancient settlements. In the 21st century, the pursuit of fresh water has become one of the most pressing issues of our time. We need to appreciate the ingenious methods of our ancestors in order to preserve our precious drinking water for future generations. Without adapting to climate change, modern civilization may go the way of the Mayans or Mesopotamian cultures who disintegrated when the water ran out. There are tons of illustrations in this fascinating book!

Karen Mutton is a retired ancient history teacher, author, lecturer, world traveller and mother of three. She has written five books on ancient history and finance. Water Realms is part of her “Realms” series, after Sunken Realms and the forthcoming Subterranean Realms. Residing in Australia with her husband, daughter and cat, she enjoys researching, writing, socializing with family and friends as well as travelling to foreign countries to appreciate their culture and history. She lives in Sydney, Australia.