Sewage Systems

Sewage systems were a foundational invention of urban civilization, with early examples found in the Indus Valley and Mesopotamia. The Romans perfected them with extensive networks of aqueducts, drains, and public latrines, managing waste and freshwater with unprecedented engineering. These systems drastically improved public health by reducing waterborne diseases, enabling cities to grow in size and population. This ancient innovation remains a critical, though often invisible, pillar of modern public health and urban planning.