Protecting Petra from Floods: Lessons from the Nabateans’ Ancient Water Management System

The ancient desert traders known as the Nabateans, who ruled the region until around 300 A.D., had to deal with seasonal flooding and drought. Despite the challenges, they found the area around Wadi Musa, where they resided, attractive due to its winding canyons, high peaks and plateaus, and protected valleys.

Unfortunately, these same features also make the area vulnerable to flooding today. Archaeologists have spent decades investigating how the Nabateans managed water in the region. They discovered that Nabatean engineers developed an interlocking system of terraces and small dams to flood-proof ancient Petra. This complex system channeled water through ravines and canyons, slowed down rushing water that could lead to flooding, and directed it into storage ponds. Terraces were used to soak up water and provide space for crops.

After the collapse of the Nabatean kingdom, the water management system fell into disrepair. Even with the rediscovery and development of Petra as a tourist destination in the 20th century, the dams were largely overlooked. However, plans to revive the ancient dams are now part of a National Geographic Society-funded effort called Preserving Legacies. This project aims to help cultural heritage sites like Petra adapt to climate change by working with communities to protect their important sites. Local climate models are being developed, and community leaders are being consulted to determine the best ways to preserve these valuable sites for the future.

The preservation of cultural heritage sites like Petra is crucial in ensuring that future generations can learn from history and appreciate its significance. With ongoing efforts like Preserving Legacies, we can help protect these important sites from environmental hazards such as floods and droughts while promoting sustainable development practices that will benefit both people and nature alike.

In conclusion, while climate change presents significant challenges for our planet’s cultural heritage sites like Petra