Norias have been among the most important water lifters in the pre-industrialised Mediterranean basin. From their early appearance during the Hellenistic Age (3rd -1st century BC) until the 20th...Show moreNorias have been among the most important water lifters in the pre-industrialised Mediterranean basin. From their early appearance during the Hellenistic Age (3rd -1st century BC) until the 20th century, norias have played a crucial role in granting a more effective exploitation of water resources. The relevance of these devices is well reflected in the academic literature. Nevertheless, the fragmentation of the research in different regions and the lack of the device definitions still prevent a clear noria terminology to be available. Starting from these premises, this research will propose a new approach to describe noria devices. A new noria classification will be applied to the medieval site of Ta’as (Northern Syria). The noria vase fragments from the Syrian site will be studied and compared with similar artifacts. Climatic studies and archaeozoological evaluations will highlight how chain norias were probably used in the area of study.Show less