Taps, as water flow control devices, have a long history dating back to ancient times. The earliest evidence of taps comes from around 1700 BC in the Minoan Palace of Knossos on Crete, where a plumbing system with taps made of precious metals like gold and silver was discovered. In Roman times, roughly from 1000 BC to 476 AD, taps were further developed as part of aqueduct and plumbing systems to bring water directly to homes, public baths, and fountains. These Roman taps often used valves similar to modern ball valves and were sometimes made from lead or precious metals. The modern adjustable screw tap was invented in 1800 by Thomas Grill in England, which allowed for better regulation of water flow. Later innovations, such as the single-handle mixing faucet, were introduced in the 20th century by Alfred Moen. In summary, taps were first invented in primitive forms around 1700 BC with significant developments in Roman times, and the modern tap with adjustable flow was invented in 1800.