Cistern
Waterproof receptacle for storing liquids, especially rainwater.
A cistern is a waterproof receptacle for holding liquids, usually water, often built to catch and store rainwater. Its interior is frequently lined with hydraulic plaster to prevent leakage. Cisterns are distinguished from wells by their waterproof linings and range in capacity from a few liters to thousands of cubic meters.
- Field
- Water management and storage
- Known for
- Rainwater harvesting and storage for domestic, agricultural, and firefighting use
- Earliest known use
- Neolithic village sites of the Levant (e.g., Ramad and Lebwe)
- Common materials
- Hydraulic plaster, concrete, plastic
- Modern capacity range
- From a few liters to thousands of cubic meters
Lore & Background
Waterproof lime plaster cisterns in house floors are features of Neolithic village sites of the Levant, such as Ramad and Lebwe, and by the late fourth millennium BC at Jawa in northeastern Jordan. Early examples in Israel include a large cistern carved into bedrock beneath a Late Bronze Age palace at Tel Hazor, and similar systems at Ta'anakh. In the Iron Age, underground water systems were constructed in royal centers and settlements throughout ancient Israel. The Ancient Roman impluvium, a standard feature of the domus house, generally had a cistern underneath that collected, filtered, cooled, and stored water.
Reader's Guide
Cisterns have been essential for water management in dry regions for millennia, from Neolithic settlements to modern urban centers. Their significance lies in enabling communities to capture and store rainwater for cooking, irrigation, washing, and firefighting. In areas with scarce or depleted water, cisterns provide a critical backup. Modern uses include irrigation, household water supply, and firefighting networks, such as San Francisco's Auxiliary Water Supply System with 177 underground cisterns. The One Million Cisterns Program in Northeastern Brazil assists small farm-holders with cement-layered cisterns for rainwater harvesting. Cisterns also support greenhouse water needs and are mandated in some regions like Bermuda and Flanders. Their legacy is as a durable, adaptable technology for water security.
Did You Know?
- The word 'cistern' comes from Middle English 'cisterne', Latin 'cisterna', which derives from Latin 'cista', itself borrowed from Ancient Greek 'κίστη' (kístē) meaning 'basket'.
- San Francisco maintains 177 underground cisterns for firefighting, with a total storage capacity of over 11,000,000 US gallons.
- In some southeast Asian countries, bathrooms are constructed with a small cistern for bathing by pouring water with a dipper.
- The modern toilet uses a cistern to hold the correct amount of water required to flush the bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cistern in a castle?
A cistern is a sealed, watertight container built into or beneath a castle to collect and hold rainwater for later use. It served domestic needs, irrigation, and firefighting, making it a critical water-management feature in fortified structures.
How does a cistern differ from a well?
While a well taps into an underground water source, a cistern is a closed, lined vessel that stores whatever liquid is channeled into it, typically harvested rainwater. The defining difference is the waterproof interior lining that prevents any seepage.
What material lines the inside of a castle cistern?
The interior is most commonly coated with hydraulic plaster, a cement-like material that hardens in water and creates a leak-proof barrier. In more modern constructions, concrete or plastic liners have also been used.
How large can a castle cistern be?
They range enormously in size, from small tanks holding just a few liters to vast underground chambers capable of storing thousands of cubic meters of water. The capacity was typically scaled to the population and defensive needs of the castle.
When were cisterns first used?
The earliest known examples date to Neolithic village sites in the Levant, including settlements at Ramad and Lebwe. This shows that the concept of sealed water storage predates castles by thousands of years.
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