ABSTRACT

The fifth century in Western Europe was turbulent, marked by warfare and large migrations of people. While the experiences of each group varied, responses can be divided into three categories: continuity, disruption and transition. This period is somewhat neglected in the history of hydrology because of the lack of technological developments. However, this paper examines adaptations to the loss of engineering knowledge and employs evidence from the writer Sidonius Apollinaris, combined with that from archaeological discoveries. Although much of value vanished, recycling and privatization were the most interesting adjustments observed in water usage. Aqueducts slowly faded into disuse due to the lack of engineers, while bathing gradually shifted away from the ancient Roman public tradition. Cisterns and wells became more common due to necessity and defensibility. Recycling and reuse of materials involved transformation of villas and water facilities into agricultural settlements, churches, and artisanal spaces.