Thirst: Water and Power in the Ancient World - Brossura

Mithen, Prof Steven

Brossura

ISBN 10: 1409136094 ISBN 13: 9781409136095

Casa editrice: Phoenix, 2013

Riassunto

The planet faces a 21st-century global water crisis - but to what extent is this really new? Past societies and ancient civilisations have always faced climate change and been dependent on their ability to harness and manage a water supply. This has often been a key driver of historical change, leading to some of the most remarkable engineering projects of antiquity.

In THIRST, renowned archaeologist and prehistorian Steven Mithen examines the history of water management in the ancient world. From the first flushing toilets at Knossos on Minoan Crete to the aqueducts of Petra and the Incas, from the bath houses of Rome to the canals of ancient China and the vast reservoirs of the Khmer and Maya civilisations, water management is shown to have been not only essential for human survival but a source of political power. It will remain so as we face global climate change, population growth and mega-urbanisation on a massive scale. So, does the past give us reason for hope or for despair?

Su questo libro

Descrizione del libro:

Steven Mithen's unique history of water and society in the ancient world has never been told before and is particulary relevant today in the face of global climate change.

L'autore:

Steven Mithen is a Pro Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Early Prehistory at the University of Reading, UK. He was elected as a Fellow of the British Academy in 2004.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Phoenix
• Data di pubblicazione: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1409136094
• ISBN 13: 9781409136095
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 256