Pithoi in the ruined town of Knossos, Crete. Items including oak and olive oil (first and second in importance) were stored in these vessels for the trade with Egypt. The stone slabs of the floor are partially removed to show part of the extensive sewage canal system underneath the whole settlement. Knossos was probably the first European settlement with a well organized water system for incoming clean water, regular waste water disposal (ending up in the gardens outside the settlement) and storm sewage canals for the times of heavy rain. Knossos was also the first place in Europe where "flush" toilets actually functioned (although the "flush" seems to have come from buckets of water). (Information provided by Frans Lamers.) Photo date 1999. Source: Frans Lamers, Costa Rica.