Investigating ancient dams in Petra's northern hinterland with ground-penetrating radar

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has revealed the presence of ancient dams in Petra's northern hinterland, offering new insights into how the Nabataeans sustained a population of over 20,000 people in an arid desert environment. These findings challenge previous assumptions about water management in ancient Petra and contribute to our understanding of its resilience as a major trading hub. The study employed GPR to non-invasively investigate subsurface structures, providing a detailed map of these dams that were likely used for water storage and irrigation. This research is part of broader efforts to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Petra's rediscovery while advancing knowledge about its engineering prowess.

Urban, T. M., Bocancea, E., Vella, C., Herringer, S. N., Alcock, S. E., & Tuttle, C. A. (2013). Investigating ancient dams in Petra’s northern hinterland with ground-penetrating radar. The Leading Edge, 32(2), 190–192. https://doi.org/10.1190/tle32020190.1