How did the city of Constantinople source its drinking water?

The city of Constantinople sourced its drinking water primarily through a sophisticated system of Roman-style aqueducts. These aqueducts were essential for transporting water from nearby sources, particularly from the first water supply sources in the valleys north of the city. The engineering techniques used in these aqueducts included arches and bridges that allowed water to flow by gravity, ensuring a consistent and reliable water supply for the city's growing population.

The aqueduct system was a crucial development for Constantinople, enabling it to sustain a large urban center and providing adequate water for drinking, sanitation, and public baths. This infrastructure was a testament to the influence of Roman engineering, which the Byzantine Empire continued to utilize and expand upon after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

While other sources like natural springs and underground wells were available in the region, the extensive network of aqueducts was a defining feature of the city's water management system, allowing it to efficiently tap into distant water sources.