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Iran

Kebar Dam

Oldest surviving Mongolian arch dam.

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

The Kebar Dam, located on the Kebar River near the town of Qom in Iran, is a significant archaeological site as it represents the oldest surviving arch dam. Constructed by the Mongolians around 1300 CE, this masonry arch dam was an innovative engineering feat of its time, showcasing early advanced water management techniques. Originally built to stand at 24 meters tall, the dam was later modified in the 17th century with an additional 2 meters to enhance its capacity for irrigation water supply. The dam features a 35-meter radius arch with a 45-degree angle, supported by wing walls that serve as abutments. Despite the reservoir being mostly filled with silt today, the structure remains a testament to the Mongolians' architectural ingenuity and their contributions to infrastructure development during the Late Post-Classical Period.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Kebar Dam

File030104-KebarDam-IMG_0656-2.jpg
FileDezReservoir-June2016.jpg
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Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Water Management Features

DamsReservoirs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Iran
Source
Wikipedia