Late antique and early byzantine cisterns and tanks in the eastern Mediterranean: state of the art

Abstract Water, a fundamental prerequisite for life, has increasingly become a strategic resource in recent decades. Consequently, research into ancient water management technologies is gaining renewed relevance. This article inaugurates a series of studies focused on water collection systems in cisterns/tanks across the eastern Mediterranean. It offers an overview of current research trends, evaluates the state of the source material, and highlights the strengths and limitations of existing scholarship. Furthermore, it identifies key gaps and opportunities for future investigation. Particular attention is given to the inconsistent terminology prevalent in archaeological literature. Finally, the study explores the potential for adapting ancient cistern technologies to contemporary needs in arid and marginal regions.