A 1,500-year-old canal supplying drinking water has been unearthed during excavations in the ancient city of Dara, located in the Artuklu region of southeastern Türkiye’s Mardin province. The ongoing excavations, conducted under the auspices of the Mardin Museum, have been in progress for 38 years, approximately 30 kilometers from the provincial administrative center bearing the same name.
The ancient city of Dara, founded by the Eastern Roman Empire in 507, served as a defensive stronghold against Sassanian invasions. The recent findings include a well-preserved Roman-era canal, spanning 30 meters, and more than 10 trading stalls located in the agora (market square) of the city.
The water canal, discovered along with trading stalls, was designed to supply drinking water to the area. Remarkably, the canal had been obstructed by approximately two tons of stones, indicating intentional sealing. Drinking water distribution was facilitated through a sophisticated cement water supply system.
Abdulgani Tarkan, the director of the Mardin Museum and the lead archaeologist heading the excavation, highlighted the significance of the discovery. Tarkan mentioned, “Dara has water cisterns similar to the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. Water is transported to the city from a tank containing tons of water through a system of canals and cement pipes. This is a water supply system that met the city’s drinking water needs, created 1,500 years ago.” The findings offer valuable insights into the ancient city’s infrastructure and water management systems, shedding light on the advanced engineering prowess of the Eastern Roman Empire during that period.
