ancient cisterns

Ancient cisterns are underground water storage systems built by civilizations to collect and conserve rainwater or spring water. Typically constructed from stone or brick, these structures were essential for sustaining communities, especially in arid regions. They often feature a vaulted ceiling to support the earth above and can be quite large, sometimes holding thousands of liters of water. Cisterns could be connected to roofs or drainage systems to ensure a reliable water supply. They reflect the ingenuity of ancient engineering and the importance of water management in supporting daily life and agriculture in historical societies.