Ma’rib Dam
The Ma'rib Dam, located in the Yemeni Ma'rib Governorate, holds significant historical and archaeological importance. The construction of the dam is a subject of debate among scholars, with varying opinions on its origins. Austrian archaeologist Edward Glazer and some other scholars propose that the dam was first constructed between 750 and 700 BC, in the eighth century BC. Another group, including researchers like Müller, Christian Rubin, and Iris Gerlach, argue that the dam was built in the seventh century BC, around 700 BC - 685 BC, by Ali Yanf bin Dhamar Ali and his son Al-Makrib Yath’a Ammar.
Regardless of the disagreement on the exact date of its construction, it is widely agreed that the Ma'rib Dam was built between the eighth and seventh centuries BC. The dam played a crucial role in transforming the arid land into fertile grounds, showcasing the advanced irrigation techniques of the people of South Arabia during ancient times. Over the centuries, various rulers of Sheba undertook reforms, additions, and repairs to the dam to maintain its functionality.
However, the dam faced challenges throughout its history. Political strife and neglect led to the first collapse of the dam in the first half of the second century AD. Later, in around 150 AD, King Dhamar Ali and his son Tharan restored the dam and the surrounding areas. The dam suffered breaches again around 370 AD, but it was repaired by King Tharan Yahanam and his son Melki Karb Yaman with the help of the Banu Sukhim and Bedouin army. Further restorations were carried out by King Sharhabeel Yafar in 455 AD and by King Abraha in 548 AD and 558 AD.
The Ma'rib Dam stands as a testament to ancient engineering and the ability of humans to harness nature for their benefit. Despite the challenges it faced, the dam's continuous repair and restoration efforts highlight the importance placed on water management and agricultural prosperity in the region during ancient times.
the date
The Ma'rib Dam was constructed using carefully carved stones cut from mountain rocks. These stones were meticulously placed on top of each other and connected with gypsum. To further reinforce the structure, cylindrical rods made of copper and lead, each sixteen meters long and about four centimeters in diameter, were used. These rods were inserted into holes in the stones, functioning like nails, and were combined with identical rocks to enhance the dam's stability against earthquakes and violent floods.
Despite its initial robust construction, the dam faced significant challenges over the centuries. It suffered at least four collapses, with the last recorded collapse occurring in the year 575 AD. Unfortunately, no restoration efforts have been made since then due to various reasons, including the absence of a central government, political instability in the region, intervention by foreign powers such as the Persians, and the independence of tribal leaders with their own territories. These factors have prevented any attempts to restore or repair the dam, leaving it in its current state of disrepair.
Building the old dam
The construction of the Great Ma'rib Dam, a marvel of ancient engineering, has been a topic of debate among researchers. Although recent archaeological studies suggest the existence of agricultural systems near Ma'rib dating back to the fourth millennium BC, the famous dam itself is generally believed to have been built in the eighth century BC. The dam, which measured an impressive 577 meters in length and 915 meters in width (double the size of the American Hoover Dam), played a crucial role in harnessing water resources for the region.
Constructed with stones cut from mountain rocks, these carefully carved stones were stacked on top of one another and connected using gypsum. To reinforce the structure, cylindrical rods made of copper and lead, each sixteen meters long and about four centimeters in diameter, were inserted into holes in the stones, effectively acting as nails. This advanced engineering technique, combined with the strategic placement of identical rocks, ensured the dam's stability against earthquakes and violent floods.
The dam was strategically built in the direction of the flowing torrents, enabling it to effectively contain water. It was equipped with openings and doors that could be opened and closed as needed to control the water's flow. This design allowed for greater management of water distribution, enhancing agricultural capabilities in the region. The dam's irrigation system was highly efficient, covering approximately 24,000 acres (about 98 square kilometers) of land. This remarkable feat of engineering not only provided water for farming but also supported livestock, enabling the people of Yemen to achieve self-sufficiency in terms of their water and food needs.
Despite its advanced construction, the Ma'rib Dam faced challenges over the centuries, including several cracks. Its ultimate demise occurred in the year 575 AD, attributed to the absence of a central government, security instability in the region, intervention by foreign powers (notably the Persians), and the independence of tribal leaders with their own territories. Despite its eventual collapse, the Ma'rib Dam stands as a testament to ancient engineering prowess, showcasing the ingenuity of the people who built it and their ability to harness nature's resources for the benefit of their society.
Dam specifications
The Ma'rib Dam boasts impressive specifications, making it a significant feat of engineering:
- Dam Lake Area:30 square kilometers
- Water Storage Capacity: 400 million cubic meters
- Drainage Gate Capacity:35 cubic meters per second, used for irrigating approximately 16,000 hectares of agricultural land
- Concrete Body Depth: 60 meters
- Concrete Body Area: 24,000 square meters (square in shape)
Length: 763 meters
-Width at Valley Surface Level: 337 meters
- Width at Water Outlet from Drainage Gate: 195 meters
-Total Volume of Backfills:3 million cubic meters
-Rocks Removed:200,000 cubic meters from both sides of the site
- Dam Body Covering: Covered with rocks of the same size, totaling 100,000 cubic meters
In August 2020, the dam experienced an overflow of water from its designated areas, marking the first instance in 34 years since its reconstruction when the water level exceeded the barrier of 550 million cubic meters. This overflow highlighted the effectiveness of the dam's design and its ability to manage water resources, showcasing its vital role in the region's agricultural activities.