ON THE BEGINNING OF HYDROTECHNICS IN ROMANIA

ABSTRACT

The Carpatho-Danubian-Pontic space is situated at the limit of the Eurasiatic steppes, on a crossroads of migration or conquest between the Orient and Occident of Europe. Thus, the beginnings and evolution of water use were strongly influenced by the specific nature and the variations of the natural and social framework of this area. After an introduction into this background, the beginnings of those hydrotechnical practices of a rural nature, perennial and specific to this area, are analyzed. The paper is thus concerned with the irrigations, drainage, mountai agroterracing and hydraulic machinery for traditional domestic industry. Proceeding from the urban interlude of Graeco-Roman antiquity are the bridges, navigation canals, harbors, aqueducts, sewerage systems and bathing houses. The technical aspects of these hydrotechnical beginnings are briefly described.