An Achaemenid Dam Discovered in Marvdasht

LONDON, 09 March 2006 (CAIS) -- Archaeological excavations by a French team in Fars province led to the discovery of the remains of a big dam belonging to the Achaemenid dynastic era. “Archaeological evidence indicates that most possibly the earthen dam located in Hana Gorge, was constructed by stone channels during the Achaemenid dynastic era. It is also believed that this dam must have been constructed to bring the water of the river under control and direct it to agricultural lands of Marvdasht plain,” said Remy Boucharlat, head of French Archaeological team in Marvdasht to CHN.
This earthen dam consisted of a canal, built with scraped grey stones for directing water. Metal joints were used for fastening these stones. The remains of this dam are known as the Demon Cave for the people of the region. More Archaeological excavations are still needed to determine the characteristics of this dam.
The discovered dam was almost 500 meters in length, 10 to 15 meters in height, and 10 to 30 meters in width. The eastern part of this dam has been destroyed due to the flooding of the river. “Northern and Southern parts and the stone canal of this dam have been destroyed by loader and explosive materials to some extent,” said Hamidreza Rezaei, director of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of Marvdasht and head of Pasargadae Research Center.
Despite all these destructions caused by loaders, explosive materials, and also illegal diggings, this dam has still remained intact in some parts up to 5 meters high. Using explosive materials and loader for the destruction of this dam indicate how strong this dam was constructed substantially during the Achaemenid period, that after 2500 years from its construction explosive materials are needed to destroy it.
“Mapping of this earthen dam has been finished and it is ready for Boucharlat Archaeological excavations,” added Rezaei.