The Need for Water in Ancient Societies

Preparation for Mini-Project

Documents 1 - 8

Document 4 - Shaduf

Document 5 - Saquiya

Document 6 – Square-Pallet Chain Pump

Document 7 - Noria

Document 8 – “Archimedes” Screw

Document 1 – Pre-Roman city

Document 1 – How to view this image

1. Look for the old grid pattern of drainage ditches, which shows up as light and dark marsh grass.

2. The dark lines are ancient drainage ditches, the lighter areas are ancient fields, and the white parallel lines superimposed on top are part of a modern drainage system.

Document 1 - Questions 1. What do you think the broader black strip

at the top left of the image is?

2. Look at the flatness of the landscape, would silting be a problem?

Document 2 – LandSatImage: AncientMesopotamiaLevee System

Document 2 - Questions 1. What does the extent of the system

reveal about Mesoopotamian technology? 2. What does the size of this network imply

about the political systems in this area – would you expect the cities in Mesopotamia to be politically unified OR hostile to each other (explain)?

Document 3 – Egyptian Mace-head Carving

Document 3 - Information This drawing addresses the specific tools

and machines used to build irrigation systems or to lift water to the fields.

This drawing depicts the oldest image of irrigation ditches that has survived from ancient Egypt– carved on the head of a ceremonial mace (ca. 3100 BCE).

Document 3 – More Information The large figure in the middle is one of the

early kings of Egypt, holding a hoe, flanked by two palm-fan bearers and a man holding a basket for the dirt dug up by the hoe.

At the bottom are two other workmen, also with hoes, excavating or deepening the ditches.

Document 3 - Questions Would you expect the Egyptian king himself

to be digging irrigation ditches?

Why might this mace, which signified royal authority, show the king involved in building irrigation ditches?