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Maʾrib dam

ancient dam, Yemen
Also known as: Great Dam at Maʾrib, Sadd Maʾrib

Quick Summary

The Ma'rib Dam, located in present-day Yemen, was a significant ancient structure central to the pre-Islamic Sabaean kingdom (950–115 BCE). This dam, constructed of stone and masonry, was approximately 1,800 feet (550 meters) long and regulated water from the Wadi Sadd. It irrigated over 4,000 acres, supporting a thriving agricultural region and contributing to the city of Ma'rib's prosperity as a key trading hub for frankincense and myrrh. The dam, mentioned in the Qur'an as the "flood of Arim," was improved over centuries but ultimately destroyed, possibly in the 7th century CE.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Maʾrib
  2. dam - The Middle East

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