Research in Historical Water Technology

Mills from Roman Time to Date

Flower Milling has been an essential process for food production. Hand pounding and grinding are a time consuming and wearing labour, which can be replaced by power milling. First plants date back to Greek and roman time and have no witness by archaeological proof of the early time of their existence.

In the valley of Tel Shihab (Syria) we are now investigating about the oldest water mills known so far.

The Role of traditional water mills in the past and in the present restructuring process.

The traditional technologies of water mills are still in use in many remote locations. Upgrading of these technologies is one way to modern economic use of water power. It requires the full analysis of the old technologies in their tradition and environment. A good synthesis of tradition with modern systems has the chance to sustain.