The water supply in the Late Hellenistic houses of Delos

In the arid landscape of Delos during the Late Hellenistic period, inhabitants ingeniously adapted to limited natural water resources by relying on wells, cisterns, and rare infiltration wells. A study reveals that while these installations were primarily located in household courtyards, their presence in other areas suggests repurposing after structural changes. Distribution was largely uniform across neighborhoods, though not all houses had access to water sources. The research highlights the resourcefulness of Delos' inhabitants in securing essential water for daily life, despite the island's seasonal streams and scarce rainfall.

Karvonis, P. (2023). The water supply in the Late Hellenistic houses of Delos. Going against the Flow. Wells, Cisterns and Water in Ancient Greece, 77–90. https://doi.org/10.30549/actaath-8-23-04