Ma'rib — Ancient Dam North (Yemen, Sabaean)
مأرب · Marib Dam N
Early Bronze to Medieval (3000 BCE–1400 CE)·Hydraulic culture·🇾🇪 Ma'rib, Ma'rib Dam North, Yemen
About
About Ma'rib — Ancient Dam North (Yemen, Sabaean)
Ma'rib — Ancient Dam North (Yemen, Sabaean) in Ma'rib, Ma'rib Dam North, Yemen is a Early Bronze to Medieval (3000 BCE–1400 CE) hydraulic attributed to Hydraulic culture. Systematic survey and LiDAR document stratified deposits. The site includes a principal enclosure and reservoir system. Dimensions canal 450 m long × 3.5 m wide; reservoir 52 m × 38 m; area 36.6 ha. Excavation partially-excavated; condition partially preserved. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Hydraulic culture hydraulic with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 1100 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Relation to regional network
- 02Construction technique
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre
- 02Elite residence hypothesis
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1500 BCE
- Period
- Early Bronze to Medieval (3000 BCE–1400 CE)
- Culture
- Hydraulic culture
- Purpose
- Water management and hydraulic engineering
- Rediscovered
- 1929
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 1500 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 989 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1926
Modern rediscovery and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
15.4000° N · 45.3500° E · 1100 m · 3 mapped features
- Main Canal ChannelcanalMain Canal Channel at Ma'rib — Ancient Dam North (Yemen, Sabaean) — canal with stratified deposits15.4023° N · 45.3522° E
- Reservoir BasinreservoirReservoir Basin at Ma'rib — Ancient Dam North (Yemen, Sabaean) — reservoir with stratified deposits15.4003° N · 45.3476° E
- Regulator GategateRegulator Gate at Ma'rib — Ancient Dam North (Yemen, Sabaean) — gate with stratified deposits15.3991° N · 45.3499° E