The Khandaq Shapur: Defense, Irrigation, Boundary, Frontier

A monumental linear feature known as the Khandaq Shapur, often regarded as one of the great barriers of the ancient world, has been re-evaluated through interdisciplinary research combining archaeology and history. This study presents an updated historical account and a ground-truthed map of the Khandaq Shapur using remote sensing techniques, including historic Corona satellite imagery from the 1960s and Google Earth data. By comparing its location with known Sasanian sites, researchers have contextualized the Khandaq Shapur within the broader archaeological landscape, revealing its multifaceted role as a defense, irrigation system, boundary, and frontier. This comprehensive approach provides new insights into its precise location, nature, and historical usage over time.

de Gruchy, M., Jotheri, J., Alqaragholi, H., Al-Janabi, J., Alabdan, R., Al-Talaqani, H., Almamouri, G., & Al-Rubaye, H. (2021). The Khandaq Shapur: Defense, Irrigation, Boundary, Frontier. Land, 10(10), 1017. https://doi.org/10.3390/land10101017