A French archaeological team discovered the remains of an old dam in the East Coast dating back to 1000 BC.

The discovery was made during the excavation at the site of an old human settlement and a temple near what is at present known as Al Bithna village.

The dam indicates that agriculture was already being practised by the residents during those days.

The three-member team, which works for the French National Research Centre, arrived to continue their excavation work at the two main sites of the old temple and a fortification, which they unearthed over the last two years at the village, 12 kilometres west of Fujairah.

The work marks the third excavation season of the Fujairah Department of Archaeology and Heritage at Al Bithna village which has been proved to lie on a treasure trove of historical remains dating back to the Iron Age.

"The main goal of this archaeological season is to continue unearthing and excavating work at the two previous sites with the help of the French team," said Ahmed Khalifa Al Shamsi, Director of the Department.

This site, known as 'Bithna 44", was once a fortification built on the sharp edges of a small mountain over an area of around 8,000 square metres to protect the village.

Dr Anne Benoist, head of the French team, said the dam was built on a small valley stretching from north to south and passing near the west side of the mountain.

"To the north side of the old water dam we discovered a ground water ditch which occupies around 3,600 square metres of land three metres in depth. An abandoned Islamic village was also built on a part of the water ditch," said Dr Benoist.

She said the dam was constructed with small and medium-sized rocks and sand surrounded by two huge rocky barriers. Only 21 metres of the total length of the dam still exists.


View: Full Article | Source: Gulf News