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.CAIS ARCHAEOLOGICAL & CULTURAL NEWS OF IRAN© |
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An Achaemenid Dam Discovered in Marvdasht
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08 March 2006 |
LONDON,
(CAIS) -- Archaeological excavations by a French team
in Fars province led to the discovery of the remains of a big dam belonging to
the Achaemenid dynastic era.
“Archaeological
evidence indicates that most possibly the earthen dam located in Hana Gorge, was
constructed by stone channels during the Achaemenid dynastic era. It is also believed
that this dam must have been constructed to bring the water of the river under
control and direct it to agricultural lands of Marvdasht plain,” said Remy
Boucharlat, head of French Archaeological team in Marvdasht to CHN.
This earthen dam consisted of a canal, built with scraped grey stones for
directing water. Metal joints were used for fastening these stones. The remains
of this dam are known as the Demon Cave for the people of the region. More Archaeological
excavations are still needed to determine the characteristics of this dam.
The discovered dam was almost 500 meters in length, 10 to 15 meters in height,
and 10 to 30 meters in width. The eastern part of this dam has been destroyed
due to the flooding of the river.
“Northern and Southern parts and the stone canal of this dam have been
destroyed by loader and explosive materials to some extent,” said Hamidreza
Rezaei, director of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of Marvdasht
and head of Pasargadae Research Center.
Despite all these destructions caused by loaders, explosive materials, and also
illegal diggings, this dam has still remained intact in some parts up to 5
meters high.
Using explosive materials and loader for the destruction of this dam indicate
that how this dam was constructed substantially during the Achaemenid period,
that after 2500 years from its construction explosive materials are needed to
destroy it.
“Mapping of this earthen dam has been finished and it is ready for Boucharlat Archaeological
excavations,” added Rezaei.
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News Source: CHN
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"History is the Light on the Path to Future" |
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Encyclopaedia Iranica
The British Institute of Persian Studies "Persepolis Reconstructed"
The British Museum
The Royal Asiatic Society
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