Originally, the Sorgues plain was a vast marshland, saturated with water from Fontaine de Vaucluse, the source of the Sorgue river. Since Gallo-Roman times, humans have attempted to drain and develop this land in order to settle and farm there.
The canalof Vaucluse, dug around 900 AD, made it possible to drain the marshy land and develop the city. From 900 to 1200, the longitudinal profile of the canal was modified to create waterfalls, increasing the driving force of the water.
A farm used for agricultural, sanitary, and then industrial purposes.
The Vaucluse Canal and its Griffon branch irrigate agricultural fields: olive trees, vines, wheat, mixed grain, and fodder. Later, the water is used to water mulberry trees and raise silkworms. The canals also supply the town's fountains, distributed throughout the neighborhoods and used for domestic purposes (laundry, washing dishes, etc.).
Until 1907 and the establishment of the public water network, old Sorgues was equipped with seven public fountains fed by the springsof L'Orme and two collection galleries. There were also eight fountains, supplied by non-potable water from the Griffon Canal, which was sometimes used for drinking despite the prohibitions and risks of disease. The springs have practically dried upduring periods of drought. The inhabitants of Sorgues then obtain their water from the two public pumps on Avenue d'Orange and from a few private wells.
Taking advantage of this abundant, non-calcareous water, manufacturing plants began to develop in the 13thcentury century with the construction of wheat mills.
On the 14thcentury century, the first paper mill was established, followed by another 100 years later, as well as several cloth fulling mills, silk spinning mills, and a powder mill. In the 19century , water wheels multiplied on the canals and their branches crossing the town, powering copper rolling mills, oil mills, flour mills, silk mills, starch factories, whetstone factories, madder factories, soda ash factories (Griffon factory).
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