Water Supply and Hydraulic Devices: the dams in the Umayyad Jordan

Abstract

[EN] Jordan is one of the most water-poor countries in the world. Natural water resources are few and always threatened by the modern activities that are worsening the situation. During the Umayyad period,(661-750 AD) Jordan was part of the Syro-Palestinian territory (Syria, Jordan, Palestinian territories, Lebanon and Israel) that constituted the most important residential area of the caliphate. Despite the scarce of water, the Umayyad transform these arid lands into a flourish garden. This was possible only through an accurate and widespread control of the water resources. Even though these devices had animportant role into the Umayyad power, they are still quite unknown. Today, using technology as the GIS or the satellite imagery (Landsat, RSTM) is possible to study the diffusional pattern of these devices on the territory. The aim is to produce archaeological thematic maps of the Umayyad settlements of Jordan and to study their relationships to the water supply systems in order to attempt to explain their role in connection with the Umayyad power in this region. Among these devices, the dams are the most impressive. This paper represents a preliminary work meant analyze these structures and their connection with the environment and the agriculture making some hypothesis about the irrigation practices linked to them, with the intent of begin to study such essential aspect of the Umayyad power.