Jawa Dam

ancient dam, Jordan

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Last updated

July 19, 2026

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The Jawa Dam, located in modern-day Jordan, is recognized as the world's oldest known dam. Constructed in the 4th millennium BCE, its purpose was to impound a small stream, thereby expanding irrigation capabilities for downstream arable land. This ancient structure was built using masonry and earthen materials.1

The history of dams extends beyond the Jawa Dam, with other notable ancient examples including the Sadd el-Kafara in Egypt (c. 2700 BCE) and various dams built by the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians for water supply and irrigation. The oldest dam still in use is a rockfill embankment in Syria, dating back to approximately 1300 BCE.1

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The Middle East
The Jawa Dam was built in the 4th millennium bce to hold back the waters of a small stream and allow increased irrigation production on arable land downstream. Evidence exists of another masonry-faced earthen dam built about 2700 bce at Sadd el-Kafara, about 30 km (19…
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The Jawa Dam was built in the 4th millennium bce to hold back the waters of a small stream and allow increased irrigation production on arable land downstream. Evidence exists of another masonry-faced earthen dam built about 2700 bce at Sadd el-Kafara, about 30 km (19…
Read More