Mysteries of Lake Copais: The Drainage – Massive Bronze Age and Hellenistic Hydraulic Engineering Works

Abstract

Since the draining of Lake Copais in Boeotia in the late 19th century archaeological research has revealed Bronze Age hydraulic engineering works of such a scale as to be unique in Europe. Starting in the Middle Helladic period with dams, dikes and polders, the massive extension of the scheme in the Late Helladic period, with large canals and massive dikes, achieved the complete drainage of the lake; a feat not achieved again, despite Hellenistic attempts, until the 20th century. In this paper we attempt to draw together research in order to tell the history of Lake Copais through the ages.