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Empires like Babylon controlled water through extensive canal networks for irrigation and flood control, supporting agriculture and population growth. Over-irrigation led to soil salinization.

Ancient Sri Lankan civilizations built reservoirs and tanks to collect and store rainwater for year-round irrigation. They significantly increased agricultural yields.

Believed to be a feat of engineering that combined water irrigation and vertical gardening. The gardens showcased the ability to support plant life in arid conditions.

The Khmer Empire of Cambodia engineered an elaborate water management system with barays (water reservoirs) and canals to support its large population and agriculture.

Aqueducts transported water from distant sources to cities and towns, supporting public baths, fountains, and agriculture. They altered watercourses and could disrupt ecosystems.

Nilometers were used to measure the Nile's water levels to predict the flooding. This guided agricultural schedules and water taxes, and helped prevent famine.

Qanats are subterranean channels used in the Middle East for transporting groundwater. They enabled agriculture in arid regions but could lower the water table over time.

Greeks built cisterns to store rainwater and water from aqueducts, especially on islands and arid locations. This provided a more consistent water supply during dry spells.

Terracing converts steep landscapes into arable land, reducing erosion and surface runoff. It improved water management and agricultural productivity in mountainous regions.

Chinampas, or 'floating gardens', were man-made agricultural plots built in lakes. They increased agricultural efficiency and productivity within lake ecosystems.

Similar to the Qanat, the Karez system involves a network of vertically dug wells connected by underground channels. It minimizes water loss and is less vulnerable to contamination.

Water wheels were used to lift water from rivers to irrigation channels, enabling agriculture in arid areas. They represent renewable energy-based water management methods.

Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater for reuse. It reduces reliance on wells or rivers, and can enhance water security during droughts.

The Foggara system, akin to Qanat and Karez, consists of underground tunnels to bring groundwater to the surface for irrigation. It's critical for oasis settlements in desert climates.