Restoration of the Ancient Nabatean flood control

system in Wadi Madras at Petra, German Jordanian University, 2018-2020

Center For The Study Of Natural And Cultural Heritage

German Jordanian University

Introduction

Flash floods have always constituted a mortal hazard in the Petra area. Such floods are relatively frequent and pose a danger to both the ancient city's people and monuments. The Nabataeans understood this catchment's role in controlling the torrential rain that jeopardized the major plaza in front of the Khazneh and the Siq, one of the main paths that lead into the city. Thus, a complete system was designed and implemented by the Nabataeans composed of contour terraces, bench terraces, and check dams constructed to minimize flood water velocity, protect the soil cover, and prevent the fall of debris, and to collect the surface water. The flood control system was used and maintained until the 6th century A. D, after which neglect and natural environmental conditions led to the system collapse.

The project involves studying archaeology, environment, hydrology, and engineering interventions in the study area. Ultimately, the terrace system that protected Petra from flash flooding is being partially restored, and its ultimate function will be observed to calibrate the hydrological models of the catchment. Also, local involvement and gender-balanced training of the local community will allow for the transfer of know-how, which will ensure the expansion of terrace practices and, thus, long term sustainability. Increasing awareness and reviving this technology would not only mitigate flooding and protecting soils but will also expand agriculture, creating additional economic opportunities for the area.

Location

The project is being implemented in Petra, Jordan around 350 km south of the capital Amman.

The Madras-Hremiyyeh catchment, is located around 3 km to the south west of Wadi Musa, and around 4 km south-east from Petra proper. The Wadi Musa-Tayiba Rajef highway, defines the upper boundary, while the Siq gorge formulate the lower segment. The catchment area is approximately 5.00 km 2, with the sub-catchment being around 1.36 km 2. The area is important because it drains into the main tourism attractions of Petra.

Significance of conservation project.

The conservation work done was for a relatively neglected and poorly understood area within the ancient city, and the objective was not for the sake of the area in and of itself. Rather, this project was undertaken to protect the Treasury and the surrounding area from flash floods that originate from the catchments in question (although not alone). Because the catchments were themselves heavily terraced and dammed during the Nabatean period for the same reason (flood control), the restoration of the terraces and dams constitutes a renovation project aimed at conserving the Treasury and its surroundings.