Between Sacred and Profane: the Role of Water in the Dacian Settlements and Fortresses in the Șureanu Mountains

Abstract

he aim of this paper is to assess the different purposes for which water was used during the Dacian antiquity at Sarmizegetusa Regia and its surrounding area. The paper will take into consideration relevant examples of archaeological discoveries that can suggest, in a synoptic manner, the role played by water in different contexts. The paper will try to outline the general character of the ancient water management system employed in the Șureanu Mountains, thus suggesting a specific trait of the archaeological milieu present in the area. Furthermore, by presenting the specific characteristics of some water management installations, we will be able to observe the differences between them.