Water and Fire – The History of a Mound of Ash: Water Management in Hellenistic Berenike, Its Environmental and Logistical Setting

Archaeological work since 2014 in the Hellenistic areas of Berenike, a key port on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, founded by Ptolemy II Philadelphus c. 275 BC, has brought extensive evidence water-related structures: rock-cut well located inside rebuilt early-Hellenistic gate and nearby cistern with an associated rainwater-collection system, that changed way which sources uses water Berenike is understood today. The research started excavation ash mound, characteristic landmark western part site, now believed to be rubbish dump from furnace heated bathhouse. At this stage research, it can argued had sufficient available site not only for drinking (hence potable), agricultural industrial uses, but also public bathing. This article summarises current state presenting recent discoveries date at within their archaeological, architectural environmental contexts.