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Yemen

Cisterns of Tawila

Ancient cisterns hewn from volcanic rock.

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 Cisterns of Tawila in Aden, Yemen, are a series of ancient water management structures carved from volcanic rock. Originally constructed to collect rainwater and protect the city from flooding, the cisterns are believed to have been built possibly by the Himyarites between 115 BCE and 525 CE. Over time, they became a significant feature of Aden, as indicated by Islamic manuscripts from the 7th century CE. The Rasulid dynasty restored the cisterns in the 13th to 15th centuries CE, acknowledging their importance. With the British colonial occupation in the 19th century, the cisterns underwent significant remodeling, transforming them into the larger structures seen today. Despite modern alterations, these cisterns remain an important archaeological site, highlighting ancient water management practices and the historical evolution of Aden.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Cisterns of Tawila

FileCisterns_of_Tawila.jpg
FileCisterns_of_Tawila_2007.jpg
FileCisterns_of_Tawila_Aden.jpg

Archaeological Features

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

Water Management Features

CisternsReservoirsDams

Historical Timeline

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Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Yemen
Source
Wikipedia