Ancient 'water law' unearthed in Laodicea

A marble block unearthed in the ancient city of Laodicea reveals the use of water in the city was managed by law 1,900 years ago, just like today A marble block, considered the ?water law? from 1,900 years ago, has been unearthed in the ancient city of Laodicea in the western province of Denizli.

The block, which is 90 centimeters in length and 116 centimeters in width, has revealed the use of water in the city had been managed by law, which involved a penalty ranging from 5,000 to 12,500 denarius.

The ?water law? marble block dating back to 114 A.D. included strict measures regarding the use of water coming from the Karc? Mountain through channels to the city, as well as the use of a fountain dedicated to Roman Emperor Traianus. The rules were prepared by Anatolian State Governor Aulus Vicirius Matrialis.

The excavation works, led by Pamukkale University and supported by Denizli Municipality, have continued on Stadium Street in the ancient site. Excavations head Professor Celal ?im?ek of Pamukkale University, said, ?The Laodicea Assembly made this law in 114 A.D. and presented it to a pro council in Ephesus for approval.
 The pro council approved the law on behalf of the empire. Water was vital for the city. This is why there were heavy penalties against those who polluted the water, damaged the water channels or reopening the sealed water pipes. Breaking the law was subject to a penalty of about 12,500 denarius - 125,000 Turkish Liras.? 

Penalty for polluting the water

?im?ek said the 1,900-year-old rules to prevent water pollution had a very special place, adding, ?The fine for damaging the water channel or polluting the water is 5,000 denarius, nearly 50,000 Turkish Liras. The fine is the same...