Discover the sophisticated water system of the ancient Arabs

Nabataea, an ancient Arab kingdom, built a water collection and distribution system that is still usable after thousands of years.

The Nabataeans inhabited northern Arabia and the southern Levant in ancient times (from 168 BC to 106). The desert climate made it difficult for them to grow crops, but they created a sophisticated water collection system that helped build a powerful kingdom in the heart of Arabia.

Reservoir built by the Nabataeans in the ancient city of Hawara.

Due to the hot, dry environment, the Nabataeans had to find a way to ensure there was an adequate supply of water for the inhabitants and to irrigate the crops. One method to collect water is to plant a fruit tree in the middle of a shallow funnel-shaped area. When it rains, all the water pours into the center of the funnel. This funnel area will be sealed with loess soil to store water. But Nabatean water conduction technology also includes many other works such as the construction of aqueducts, dams, water tanks and cisterns that combine methods of collecting rainwater, flood water, groundwater and natural springs.

With this complex system, the people of Nabataean were able to ensure a constant water supply all year round. They understand all available water sources and know the best way to monitor, exploit, maintain and use.

In areas without water, the Nabataeans dug wells in convenient locations and kept it a secret from people in other countries. As a result, they always had ample water to drink, according to the Greek historian Diodorus. They also prepared underground water tanks and covered them with mortar. After filling the cisterns with rainwater, they sealed the tops of the tanks, leveling them with the surrounding ground, and leaving markings that only people in the community could recognize.

The Nabataeans also developed a system of water pipes. The design of the system takes advantage of rocky depressions to filter the water that flows through. Their deep understanding of hydraulics allowed them to create a system that maximizes flow rates while minimizing leaks.

The Nabatean water collection structures appear to be invisible to passersby and can only be found by someone aware of their existence. This complex system collects water from the mountains. The Nabateans hewn rocks into ledges to collect the initial flow of water, and also dug canals in the slopes of the mountains, bringing water to cisterns and dams for later use. To keep the water cool and prevent evaporation, they also built stone walls and pillars to provide shade. The tanks are all plastered with a waterproofing mixture, preventing water from leaking. Some tanks are still in use today.

Nabataea is the perfect example of a civilization ahead of its time. Through their wisdom and creativity, they were able to create a water collection and distribution system that would allow the kingdom to prosper for many years.