Hydrologic and Hydraulic Science and Technology in Ancient Greece

The approach typically followed in problem solving today is represented by the sequence in the order: Understanding—data—application. However, historical evolution in the development of water science and technology (and other scientific and technological fields) followed the reverse order: application preceded understanding. Thus, technological application in water resources started in Greece as early as ca. 2000 B.C.. Specifically, in the Minoan civilization and later in the Mycenaean civilization several remarkably advanced technologies have been applied for groundwater exploitation, water transportation, water supply, stormwater and wastewater sewerage systems, flood protection, drainage, and irrigation of agricultural lands. Much later, around 600 B.C., Greek philosophers developed the scientific views of natural phenomena for the first time ever. In these, hydrologic and meteorological phenomena had a major role, given that water was considered by the Ionic school of philosophy (founded by Thales of Miletus; ca. 624–545 B.C.) as the primary substance from which all things were derived. Even later, during the Hellenistic period, significant developments were done in hydraulics, which along with progress in mathematics allowed the invention of advanced instruments and devices, like Archimedes’ water screw pump.