Niklas Jungmann from the University of Berlin. Humboldt completed an exploration of the Ain Brak aqueduct, located near the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. What turned out to be a revolutionary discovery was that the water system, contrary to previous assumptions, consisted of two types of pipes: earthenware and lead. The results of the work have been published in the journal Levantwrite Phys.org.
The Petra aqueduct, which flourished in the 1st century BC. D. As the capital of the Nabataean kingdom, it was an important part of the city's water supply, including baths, gardens and reservoirs. Jungmann led excavations over an area of 2,500 m2 in the Jabal al-Madhba massif.
Not only were lead pipes discovered, but also numerous reservoirs. A total of nine aqueducts, one large reservoir, two cisterns and seven reservoirs for various purposes were recorded.
One of the unusual finds is a dam with an unusual shape and cascading structure. Jungmann speculates that this shape of the dam may have been the result of a void that the builders were trying to fill, or it could have been a deliberate decision to relieve pressure on the dam wall. A decorative aspect is also possible: creating waterfalls that can cascade into a small pool.
The researchers paid special attention to a 116-meter-long pipeline, made from smooth welded sections that can withstand high pressure. Unlike terracotta pipes used for gravity flow, lead pipes are rare in this area. Installation of such pipes requires significant resources and highly qualified engineers.
“This pipe was likely designed and built alongside the Great Temple and Garden complex under the Nabatean king Aretas IV. This decision speaks not only to the wealth of the client, but also to the importance of providing water to the city's vital facilities. However, over time, lead pipes were replaced by cheaper and easier-to-maintain earthenware,” Jungmann said.
