Ancient Waterways: Episode 9

The ancient ancestors realised that building structures to harness water to provide transport, power and irrigation was vital to the success of their civilizations. Dams were originally built to hold back water but then evolved into structures that could provide water too, by the creation of reservoirs. Ancient dykes and canals were also used to provide a form of transport so that heavy objects and goods could be taken large distances with the least amount of effort. The innovative ways in which ancient engineers harnessed the power of water, became the catalyst for the growth of all civilisations. From the Sumerians and Aztecs complex irrigation systems, to China’s empire-unifying canal and the Venetian’s far-reaching vision to construct an entire city on water. Today’s engineers remain astounded by the achievements of the past.