1,500-year-old water channel unearthed in Turkiye’s Dara

Archaeologists conducting excavations in the ancient city of Dara in Mardin have unearthed a well-preserved 1,500-year-old drinking water system from the Roman period

Archaeologists working under the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism have uncovered a 1,500-year-old drinking water canal that spans 400 meters (1,312 feet). This significant discovery was made during the ongoing archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Dara, situated in Mardin’s Artuklu district.

As a result of studies conducted in the ancient city, established by the Eastern Roman Empire to safeguard its borders against the Sassanids, it was revealed that the channel responsible for transporting drinking water to the region discovered approximately 35 years ago, was fortified with stones weighing around 2 tons each. Additionally, it was determined that water distribution from this channel utilized a funnel system employing terracotta pipes.

As a result of the ongoing excavations, a 30-meter section of the 1500-year-old drinking water canal was unearthed.

Source: Newsroom & Anadolu Agency