ABSTRACT
The World Heritage sites of Petra (Jordan), the Pont du Garde aqueduct/castellum (southern France) and Knossos (Crete) are analyzed using modern hydraulic engineering theory to determine the level of hydraulic engineering practiced by their water engineers. For example, the Petra water engineers utilized a version of critical flow theory in their design of the Wadi Mataha pipeline system that afforded the maximum flow rate from its supply spring/reservoir. Additionally use of air supply piping to alleviate partial vacuum regions in steep pipeline slope transitions is consistent with modern practice. The Pont du Garde aqueduct/castellum likewise incorporates elements of critical flow theory to match aqueduct input flow rate to the castellum output flow rate through its 13 distribution pipelines. Further resolution of the Roman quinteria value is now determined as well as new revelations about the internal flow design of the Knossos water supply pipeline to the palace structure to provide clean potable water to palace royal quarters. Analysis of ancient water systems indicates knowledge of hydraulic engineering principles well in advance of their discovery in 18th- and 19th-century times.
