Water resources management and territorial development: Technological changes in Apulia during the post-unification period

The history of water management in Apulia is the result of a complex interplay between gradual evolution of traditional technologies and rapid and profound technological changes after the unification of Italy. This led to the accomplishment of an enormous effort for the domestication of water, which led, amongst other things, to the creation of the largest aqueduct in Europe. This article will analyse the conditions, strategies and consequences of the course of radical technological change that was undertaken in 20th century Apulia. Challenging the idea, perhaps once considered reassuring, of progress as a linear path of growth and continuous overcoming of limits, this article will discuss the limitations of a heroic vision of technical progress by proposing a more human conception of technology and a renewed role for it within the environmental context.