Sanitation and Maintenance of Ancient Cities

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Good health is directly related to the availability of clean water. A sanitation system is also crucial, as it manages the ever-present issue of collecting and disposing of waste so it does not infiltrate clean water sources. In ancient civilizations, when people began congregating to live near each other in cities, they did not realize the importance of sanitation and clean water. Thus, disease was rampant and lifespans were short.

History of Sanitation in Ancient Cities

Archeological evidence points to the presence of rudimentary sanitation systems and devices in ancient civilizations. The Romans were advanced enough to design and build expansive aqueduct systems to move water throughout their cities. Ancient people in Athens, Egypt, Babylon, and Rome built rudimentary toilets in an effort to manage waste. Even with these attempts at sanitation, it was nearly impossible to manage sewage and keep water clean for use. Diseases were common due to the lack of sanitation.

Sanitation in Major Cities Today

As the Industrial Revolution took hold in both America and Europe, people began living within close proximity of each other in ever-growing cities. Sanitation quickly became a problem in cities such as London, New York City, and Philadelphia. Slowly, governments gained the knowledge and technology to build sanitation and sewer systems to dispose of waste. Cities also built water systems to provide clean water to residents.

Last modified: March 13, 2020

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