Sewer History: Photos and Graphics

Mesopotamian civilization (4000-2500 BCE)
(Click on thumbnails to enlarge image)

The Mesopotamian civilization flourished in the Euphrates River area (in modern-day Iraq, Iran, and Syria) from 4000-2500 BCE. It is known for complex drainage systems in cities like Babylon and Eshnunna, and for the earliest known clay pipe.

See Tracking Down the Roots of Our Sanitary Sewers for more information.


	Knee and t-joints made about 4000 BCE Found in the excavation of the Temple of Bel at Nippur, Babylonia. Pipe was made of baked clay. Babylonia is often referred to as the birthplace of pipe. Source: Cast Iron Pipe, Standard Specifications Dimensions and Weights (Burlington, New Jersey: United States Cast Iron Pipe & Foundry Co.,1914), p. 13.
	An archeaologist digs through the ruins of ancient Babylon and encounters a sewer pipe. Source: U.S. National Archives.
	Drain in guardroom, Eshnunna. Source: unknown.
	Vaulted brick drain, Eshnunna. Source: unknown.
	Euphrates sewer line. Source: unknown.