ABSTRACT
The Mediterranean climate is generally characterised by dry summers and mild, moist winters. Dryness and heat impose a summer stress with striking influences on ecosystems. Historically, the weather conditions in the region have been a significant problem, particularly during the summer, when high temperatures and droughts can become extreme. The use and control of water has been an essential issue for the societies of the Mediterranean Sea. The MEditerranean MOuntainous LAndscapes (MEMOLA) project tries to give some replies and reflections about these issues from a complex approach. This chapter focuses on the cultural heritage and historical elements of the traditional irrigation systems with the aim of providing a general contextualisation, which at the same time can only be a partial analysis. The importance and complexity of irrigated agriculture and water management, extended mainly during the medieval period, is one of the most fascinating historical and archaeological topics.
