Discovery of an Ancient Irrigation Network
Using satellite imagery, historical aerial photos, and remote sensing techniques, a team of Polish and Armenian archaeologists has uncovered traces of an extensive canal and irrigation network in the Ararat Basin. The study focused on the area around the Urartian center of Argishtikhinili, founded in the 8th century BCE. Their efforts revealed more than 1,000 kilometers of water-related features across the landscape.
Canals and Infrastructure Identified
- Approximately 135 kilometers of ancient canals
- Nearly 420 kilometers of former river and stream beds
- 429 kilometers of modern irrigation channels
- 36 kilometers of ancient canals
Five major canals supplied water to Argishtikhinili and its surrounding farmlands. The research relied on satellite data, including images from the American reconnaissance satellites CORONA and GAMBIT, captured during the 1960s and 1970s.
Some of the discovered canals date back to the Urartian period, while others were built after the kingdom's collapse around 590 BCE. Archaeologists note that the Urartians possessed a sophisticated understanding of the fertility of the lands around the newly established city of Argishtikhinili.
“This skill was brought by the Urartians, who perfectly understood that the lands around the newly founded city of Argishtikhinili were potentially very fertile.” - archaeologist Krzysztof Jakubiak
He also emphasized that, while the royal administration had the resources to improve water access, the lack of water hindered intensive use of these lands. “Thus, a network of canals appeared in the valley landscape, thanks to which these areas became the granary of all Urartu,” Jakubiak added.
Previously, archaeologists from Armenia and Germany uncovered the remains of a Roman arched aqueduct during excavations at the city of Artashat-Artaxata. This monumental foundation of an unfinished bridge-aqueduct was built by the Roman army between 114 and 117 CE, during the reign of Emperor Trajan.
The discovery of the canal and irrigation network near Argishtikhinili provides strong evidence of the Urartians' advanced engineering and agricultural knowledge. These findings not only shed light on how ancient civilizations managed water supply but also highlight the importance of fertile lands to their economies. The research may further our understanding of how climate and environmental changes influenced the development of civilizations in this region.
In addition to the remarkable findings in the Ararat Basin, archaeological efforts across Europe continue to unveil significant historical artifacts. A recent discovery in Hungary highlights a unique Roman lime kiln that sheds light on the region's ancient industrial practices, further illustrating the rich tapestry of ancient civilizations and their engineering prowess.