The History Of Plumbers And Plumbing
Plumbing and its history through the Millennia reveals a fascinating glimpse into a set of technologies that were employed as early as 4000 years ago. In certain digs on the island of Crete, archaeologists examining the Minoan king’s palace have found sophisticated plumbing technologies that would be impressive even today.
That particular palace had several different drainage systems that ran down into sewers that were made of stone. The pipes that ran to and from the palace were usually made of materials like terra-cotta or clay. Fountains and all of the faucets in the palace seem to have been made up of very rich materials like gold, marble and silver. Those fountains could also deliver hot and cold running water upon command.
Many people may not be aware, but that particular palace also had what we would today call a water closet, or toilet. It flushed, had a wooden seat to sit on and even a water reservoir that would be considered a toilet tank these days. Sadly, the technology was lost for thousands of years, not being perfected again until the 19th century.
It was the Roman Empire, however, that most scholars agree took the art and science of plumbing to heights unheard of at the time. Actually, the Romans are still regarded as being near the top of the list when it comes to the skill and craftsmanship that they applied to constructing bathhouses and homes and buildings that used water piped in from aqueducts many miles away.
Originally, most plumbing works were constructed of wood or other nonmetallic materials such as clay and the like for more insurance of good performance. The Romans, however, soon learned how to craft lead through the efforts of their skilled craftsmen, and rapidly applied that material to their piping and other plumbing fixtures. In fact, the Latin word “plumbus” means “lead.”
Roman artisans and engineers that were called plumbers had a high degree of proficiency in piping, solder and repair of piping and most of the other techniques that even today most plumbers are required to learn. The difference is that they did it with ancient tools and technologies. And while the Greeks were first to design hot and cold water systems, it was the Romans who perfected such technology.
Romans also carried with them these technologies when they came to the now modern-day island of Britain, which they called “Britannia.” They are renowned in Britain for their skill with the design and construction of bathhouses and spas. Some scholars believe that the loss of plumbing technology when the Romans left played a part in the rise of insuring plague and disease when the Dark Ages fell upon Europe.
There is evidence everywhere one looks today when examining plumbing of the hand that the Romans had in creating this most wondrous of crafts and trades. Many modern-day plumbers are still being taught and are using the techniques that were first discovered in utilized by ancient Roman plumbers. These first plumbers were and are still considered pioneers in the field of plumbing.
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