A Comparison of Roman-European and Ancient Iranian Water Systems
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| Taguelmoust. (2005, May 26). Foggara 02 [Photograph]. CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons. |
Hydraulic systems are not merely feats of engineering; they are also expressions of societal priorities, values, and organisation. My recent article in the International Journal of Economic Performance (IJEP) examines the hydraulic architecture of Roman-European water systems and Ancient Iranian qanat systems, tracing how these infrastructures reflected the distinct social and political values of their creators.
This exploration builds on insights gained during a collaboration with Heritage and Education Berlin as part of a UNICEF initiative. It was further enriched by my collaboration with Alexandre Solcà, an independent researcher and esteemed expert in ancient languages, and guided by Professor Hichem Benhamida of Boumerdes University, Algeria. Together, these contributions helped frame the study within a broader historical and cultural context.
The Dual Role of Hydraulic Architecture
Hydraulic systems serve two roles: one is practical—distributing water to meet societal needs; the other is symbolic—representing the values and priorities of the society that built them. These dual roles are particularly evident in the Roman-European water systems and Ancient Iranian qanat systems, which, despite sharing the goal of water distribution, diverged sharply in design and intent.
- Roman-European systems were monumental and public-facing. Aqueducts and fountains demonstrated the power and wealth of the empire, often functioning as symbols of control and grandeur. For example, fountains in city centres were not only practical for water access but also served as visual statements of the state’s dominance over nature and resources.
- Ancient Iranian qanats, by contrast, were understated and community-oriented. Developed during the Pre-Islamic and Islamic periods, these underground channels efficiently transported water over long distances to arid regions. Their design prioritised sustainability, equitable resource distribution, and long-term functionality, reflecting a societal emphasis on communal well-being over ostentation.
The differences in these systems illustrate how infrastructure can reflect broader political, economic, and cultural priorities.
Building on Collaborative Insights
This article stemmed from an earlier collaboration with Heritage and Education Berlin, where the focus was on sustainable development within the context of cultural heritage. Discussions with Ping Kong during that project were particularly inspiring, providing foundational insights that shaped this research.
Direct collaboration with Alexandre Solcá of the Franco-Russian Institute added further depth to the study. Alexandre’s expertise in historical and cultural studies helped refine the comparative framework, ensuring that the nuances of both Roman-European and Ancient Iranian systems were accurately represented.
Guidance from Professor Hichem Benhamida, editor of IJEP and researcher at Boumerdes University, Algeria, was also invaluable. His leadership, along with contributions from the Algerian Scientific Platform (ASJP), provided essential support in situating the research within broader scholarly discussions on economic and architectural heritage.
The Broader Implications of Architectural Heritage
Architecture offers a fascinating lens through which to examine the interplay of engineering, societal values, and cultural priorities. Examining these structures provides a means to gain new perspectives on how societies of the past managed their resources and expressed their collective identity.
Equally enriching is the multicultural collaboration that enabled this study, bringing together expertise across countries to re-evaluate longstanding concepts and uncover new insights. Such international dialogue enhances our understanding, allowing us to approach historical and contemporary challenges with fresh viewpoints and a shared commitment to innovation.
Reference
Hirzel, T., & Solcà, A. (n.d.). Economics of hydraulics: Persian qanats and Roman aqueducts. International Journal of Economic Performance, 55–70. Retrieved January 5, 2025, from https://www.ijep.dz/index.php/IJEP