Jawa, Jordan: Difference between revisions
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There is a fortified building in the center of the ruins of the original town. It is believed to date from 2000 to 1500 BC and is not associated with any other stone structures.<ref>Helms. p.6</ref> |
There is a fortified building in the center of the ruins of the original town. It is believed to date from 2000 to 1500 BC and is not associated with any other stone structures.<ref>Helms. p.6</ref> |
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==Jawa Dam== |
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{{Infobox dam |
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| name = Jawa Dam |
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| image = |
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| image_caption = |
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| name_official = |
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| dam_crosses = Wadi Rajil |
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| location = Jawa, [[Mafraq Governorate]], [[Jordan]] |
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| dam_type = Gravity, masonry |
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| dam_length = {{convert|80|m|ft|abbr=on}} |
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| dam_height = {{convert|4.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} |
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| dam_width_base = {{convert|4.5|–|5|m|ft|abbr=on}} |
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| spillway_type = |
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| spillway_capacity = |
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| construction_began = ~3000 BC |
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| opening = |
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| cost = |
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| owner = |
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| res_name = Jawa Reservoir |
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| res_capacity_total = {{convert|31000|m3|ft3|abbr=on}} est. |
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| res_catchment = |
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| res_surface = |
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| res_max_depth = |
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| plant_operator = |
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| plant_turbines = |
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| plant_capacity = |
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| plant_annual_gen = |
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| plant_commission = |
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| plant_decommission = |
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| location_map =Jordan |
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| location_map_caption = |
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| location_map_size = |
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| coordinates = {{coord|32|20|06|N|37|00|12|E|type:landmark|display=inline,title}} |
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| website = |
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| extra = |
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}} |
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The '''Jawa Dam''' is the remains of an ancient [[masonry]] [[Dam#Gravity dams|gravity dam]] on Wadi Rajil at Jawa in [[Mafraq Governorate]], [[Jordan]], {{convert|58|km}} north of [[Azraq, Jordan|Azraq]]. It is the oldest known dam in the world, dating back to the fourth millennium BC. The dam was part of a [[water supply]] system that included other smaller dams, channels and deflectors across the wadi to support the short lived local town of [[Jawa, Jordan|Jawa]]. Therefore, the term '''Jawa Dams''' is sometimes used to describe the dams around Jawa. Jawaa Dam, though, is the largest of the dams and withheld the largest [[reservoir]].<ref name="eardam">{{cite web|last=Fahlbusch |first=Henning |title=Early Dams |url=http://www.thomastelford.com/journals/DocumentLibrary/ehah.2009.162.1.13.pdf |publisher=History Association |accessdate=20 July 2010 }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="hisgd">{{cite web|title=Key Developments in the History of Gravity Dams |url=http://www.lassp.cornell.edu/sethna/SimScience/cracks/advanced/grav_hist1.html |publisher=SimScience |accessdate=20 September 2018 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831131058/http://www.simscience.org/cracks/advanced/grav_hist1.html |archivedate=August 31, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Gujja|first=Biksham|title=The Impact of Dams on Life in Rivers|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/14280306/Dams-Report|work=A WWF Research Report|publisher=WWF International|accessdate=20 July 2010|author2=Diwata Olalia Hunzike|date=April 2000}}</ref> |
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It is located on the southern edge of an area of [[basalt]] which runs across [[Syria]] and [[Jordan|eastern Jordan]] and is an attempt to harness the major water resources of Wadi Rajil: a dry river bed which floods irregularly during the winter months.<ref>Helms, Svend (1981) ''Jawa. Lost City of the Black Desert''. Methuen. {{ISBN|0-416-74080-4}}. pp.17-35</ref> Wadi Rajil has a catchment area of 300 km<sup>2</sup> reaching 35 km north into [[Jebel Druze]].<ref>Helms. p.147</ref> The basalt allows very little water to soak into the ground. Any rainfall in the mountains results in violent short lived flash floods. The total annual flow down the wadi at Jawa is estimated to be 2,000,000 m<sup>3</sup> per year arriving in a few dramatic winter floods with flows of 80–110 m<sup>3</sup>/s. Research suggests that the community at Jawa could survive on 3% of that total flow: if they could store it in sufficient quantities to last through the four dry summer months.<ref>Helms. pp.148,165,151</ref> It would have to support their population of 2,000 to 5,000 as well as their large herds of sheep, goats and some cattle. Estimates based on bone counts indicate there may have been as many as 10,000 sheep and goats as well as 800 cattle. There were also 200 [[equids]] and 160 dogs.<ref>Helms. p.189. Analysis by Ilse Kohler</ref> From seed remains it is apparent that some of the water was also used for irrigation agriculture. The inhabitants ate barley, wheat, chickpeas, lentils and grapes.<ref>Helm. p.247. Analysis by G.H. Willcox</ref> |
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There are the remains of three dams across Wadi Rajul at Jawa. Two are [[Diversion dam|deflection dams]] meant to channel water into a number of reservoirs. The third was an attempt at a reservoir dam, completely blocking the flow of the flood. It appears not to have survived more than one season. The other two probably ceased to function within a generation. |
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The first dam was designed to divert water into three depressions to the west of the site of the settlement. The feed canal was also used to fill a natural cave. The dam itself was built at an angle across the curve of the wadi. It may not have reached from bank to bank. It is speculated that even if the structure only withstood the flood for a short time some water would have been diverted to the reservoirs. |
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The largest reservoir had a double-wall, 80 m long and 4–5 m high, in-filled with sand and ash. Excavators found traces of [[revetment]]s and a rudimentary apron on the up-stream face.<ref name="eardam"/><ref>{{cite book|last= Wieland|first=Martin|title=New developments in dam engineering: proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Dam Engineering|publisher=Taylor & Francis Group|author2=Qingwen Ren |author3=John S. Y. Tan |pages=899|year=2004}}</ref><ref>Helms. pp.174,175</ref> |
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An attempt to build a larger wall to expand the capacity of the reservoirs beside the town was not completed. The small amount of rainfall, perhaps 150 mm per year, which fell on local micro-catchments was also harnessed by a long series of primitive canals leading to the reservoirs. This would have been a significant contribution in maintaining water levels between floods.<ref>Helms. pp.181,182</ref> |
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==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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[[Category:Archaeological sites in Jordan]] |
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Jordan]] |
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[[Category:Gravity dams]] |
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[[Category:Dams in Jordan]] |
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[[Category:Masonry dams]] |
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Revision as of 21:45, 16 September 2019
32°20′06″N 37°00′12″E / 32.33500°N 37.00333°E
- This article is about the Early Bronze Age proto-urban site in Jordan's basalt desert. For the Iron Age village in central Jordan, see Tall Jawa
 View of Jawa from the south | |
  Shown within Jordan | |
| Location | Jordan |
|---|---|
| Region | Mafraq Governorate |
| Coordinates | 32°20′06″N 37°00′12″E / 32.335°N 37.003333°E |
Jawa is the site of the oldest proto-urban development in Jordan, dating from the late 4th millennium BC (Early Bronze Age). It is located in one of the driest areas of the Black Desert (Harrat al-Shamah) of Eastern Jordan.[1]
History
The town was built by a group of perhaps 2,000 migrants coming from the North or East. They had some understanding of urban life, as well as hydrology. It extended over 100,000 m2[1] and consisted of a walled town and extensive earthworks to divert winter floods from the Wadi into a series of reservoirs. This work would have had to be completed by the first winter after the groups arrival; otherwise they would not have survived the following summer. It is estimated the work would have taken a minimum workforce of 700.[2]
The population had large herds of sheep, goats and some cattle. Estimates based on bone counts indicate there may have been as many as 10,000 sheep and goats as well as 800 cattle. There were also 200 equids and 160 dogs.[3] From seed remains it is apparent that some of the water was also used for irrigation agriculture. The inhabitants ate barley, wheat, chickpeas, lentils and grapes.[4]
The lifetime of the town was extremely short. Its maximum population may have reached 5,000.[5]
There is a fortified building in the center of the ruins of the original town. It is believed to date from 2000 to 1500 BC and is not associated with any other stone structures.[6]
Jawa Dam
| Jawa Dam | |
|---|---|
| |
  Location of Jawa Dam in Jordan | |
| Location | Jawa, Mafraq Governorate, Jordan |
| Coordinates | 32°20′06″N 37°00′12″E / 32.33500°N 37.00333°E{{#coordinates:}}: cannot have more than one primary tag per page |
| Construction began | ~3000 BC |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Gravity, masonry |
| Impounds | Wadi Rajil |
| Height | 4.5 m (15 ft) |
| Length | 80 m (260 ft) |
| Width (base) | 4.5–5 m (15–16 ft) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Jawa Reservoir |
| Total capacity | 31,000 m3 (1,100,000 cu ft) est. |
The Jawa Dam is the remains of an ancient masonry gravity dam on Wadi Rajil at Jawa in Mafraq Governorate, Jordan, 58 kilometres (36 mi) north of Azraq. It is the oldest known dam in the world, dating back to the fourth millennium BC. The dam was part of a water supply system that included other smaller dams, channels and deflectors across the wadi to support the short lived local town of Jawa. Therefore, the term Jawa Dams is sometimes used to describe the dams around Jawa. Jawaa Dam, though, is the largest of the dams and withheld the largest reservoir.[7][8][9]
It is located on the southern edge of an area of basalt which runs across Syria and eastern Jordan and is an attempt to harness the major water resources of Wadi Rajil: a dry river bed which floods irregularly during the winter months.[10] Wadi Rajil has a catchment area of 300 km2 reaching 35 km north into Jebel Druze.[11] The basalt allows very little water to soak into the ground. Any rainfall in the mountains results in violent short lived flash floods. The total annual flow down the wadi at Jawa is estimated to be 2,000,000 m3 per year arriving in a few dramatic winter floods with flows of 80–110 m3/s. Research suggests that the community at Jawa could survive on 3% of that total flow: if they could store it in sufficient quantities to last through the four dry summer months.[12] It would have to support their population of 2,000 to 5,000 as well as their large herds of sheep, goats and some cattle. Estimates based on bone counts indicate there may have been as many as 10,000 sheep and goats as well as 800 cattle. There were also 200 equids and 160 dogs.[13] From seed remains it is apparent that some of the water was also used for irrigation agriculture. The inhabitants ate barley, wheat, chickpeas, lentils and grapes.[14]
There are the remains of three dams across Wadi Rajul at Jawa. Two are deflection dams meant to channel water into a number of reservoirs. The third was an attempt at a reservoir dam, completely blocking the flow of the flood. It appears not to have survived more than one season. The other two probably ceased to function within a generation.
The first dam was designed to divert water into three depressions to the west of the site of the settlement. The feed canal was also used to fill a natural cave. The dam itself was built at an angle across the curve of the wadi. It may not have reached from bank to bank. It is speculated that even if the structure only withstood the flood for a short time some water would have been diverted to the reservoirs.
The largest reservoir had a double-wall, 80 m long and 4–5 m high, in-filled with sand and ash. Excavators found traces of revetments and a rudimentary apron on the up-stream face.[7][15][16] An attempt to build a larger wall to expand the capacity of the reservoirs beside the town was not completed. The small amount of rainfall, perhaps 150 mm per year, which fell on local micro-catchments was also harnessed by a long series of primitive canals leading to the reservoirs. This would have been a significant contribution in maintaining water levels between floods.[17]
References
- ^ a b Helms, Svend (1981) Jawa. Lost City of the Black Desert. Methuen. ISBN 0-416-74080-4. p.4
- ^ Helms p.77
- ^ Helms. p.189. Analysis by Ilse Kohler
- ^ Helms. p.247. Analysis by G.H. Willcox
- ^ Helms. p.130
- ^ Helms. p.6
- ^ a b Fahlbusch, Henning. "Early Dams" (PDF). History Association. Retrieved 20 July 2010.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Key Developments in the History of Gravity Dams". SimScience. Archived from the original on August 31, 2011. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Gujja, Biksham; Diwata Olalia Hunzike (April 2000). "The Impact of Dams on Life in Rivers". A WWF Research Report. WWF International. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
- ^ Helms, Svend (1981) Jawa. Lost City of the Black Desert. Methuen. ISBN 0-416-74080-4. pp.17-35
- ^ Helms. p.147
- ^ Helms. pp.148,165,151
- ^ Helms. p.189. Analysis by Ilse Kohler
- ^ Helm. p.247. Analysis by G.H. Willcox
- ^ Wieland, Martin; Qingwen Ren; John S. Y. Tan (2004). New developments in dam engineering: proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Dam Engineering. Taylor & Francis Group. p. 899.
- ^ Helms. pp.174,175
- ^ Helms. pp.181,182
See also
- Jawa Dam (Jordan), a dam which was part of Jawa's water system
- Jericho