Pompeii in the 7th century B.C. had residential wells collecting rainwater for domestic use, distribution systems via terracotta piping and street sewage management. Their buildings not only reflected a wonderful example of sanitation, but displayed a subtle and positive connection of living with nature.

The highly developed and completely passive architectural construction relied, among others, on internal courtyards and placement of openings to control natural and energy-free residential heating and cooling. It epitomized ecological living by sharing and reusing available resources responsibly and with the least damage toward the global balance.