26
THIS IS PLUMBING
The changing face of
plumbing over the
millennia
Ancient plumbing systems date back to 4 000BC. The course
of plumbing’s history is virtually that of Earth’s history of
civilisation.
By Eamonn Ryan
4 000 – 3 000BC
Archaeologists discovered copper water pipes in the
palace ruins of the Indus River Valley in India. Around
2 500BC, sitting toilets appear in the Harappa civilisation
(now India).
Egyptians developed copper pipes that were used to build
elaborate bathrooms inside the pyramids and intricate
irrigation and sewage systems. Believing the dead required
food, clothing and other such essentials in the afterlife,
Egyptians installed bathrooms in tombs as well.
2 500BC
The people of Crete created elaborate sewage
disposal and drainage systems with underground
channels.
1 500BC
The ancient Greeks introduced communal shower rooms
served by pumped water.
The pyramids were plumbed.
‘The Code of Hammurabi’, written by Hammurabi, the 6th
king of Old Babylon, was the first known code of ancient
Babylon. One of the clauses of the code called for people to
be put to death if a house that was not constructed properly
fell and killed an owner.
1 500 – 1 000BC
The Hammurabi Code
was the first known code
of ancient Babylon.
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Rainwater cisterns were developed on the island of Crete
which allowed for the storage of rainwater until it was
needed for drinking, washing, bathing and cooking uses.
Under the reign of King Minos, the people of Crete created
elaborate sewage disposal and drainage systems with
underground channels. During the same period, the first
crude flushing toilet was invented, complete with a wooden
seat. Archaeologists have also discovered a bathtub.
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1 700BC
710BC
Sargon the Great, the Assyrian king, invented the first crude
shower by having slaves on ladders pour water over him
while he bathed.
500 – 455BC
The Romans were some of the most advanced in ancient
plumbing systems. Out of the Roman Empire aqueducts
were developed as well as underground sewer systems,
public and private baths, lead and bronze water piping
systems, and marble fixtures with gold and silver fittings.
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October 2019 Volume 25 I Number 8