Archaic Cistern (6th/5th c. BC)

 ruins, ancient, archaeological site

The Archaic cistern was probably constructed in the sixth century BC, at the same time as the first temple of Athena. It provided water to the Archaic city that extended lower down. The cistern measured 17.40 x 10.20 m., was 3.20 m. deep and had a capacity of 600 cubic metres. Rainwater from its roof, as well as from the roof ofthe temple and the adjacent buildings existing at that time, was collected through clay pipes. The water was channeled into a groove around the cistern’s rim and fell into its interior from spouts at its four corners. According to analyses the waterproof hydraulic plaster that coated its walls rivalled in durability modern cement.
The cistern was abolished when the stoa of the Hellenistic sanctuary was built. Its function was replaced by a new system of collecting water inside a water tunnel, 1.90 m. high and 0.60 m. wide, with a vaulted roof, which ran underneath the stoa’s entire length. Smaller tunnels, at right angle to the central one, were directed towards the city. The water tunhel supplied wells sunk at the back of the stoa rooms.