New study aims to create real blueprint of Petra's amazing water system

A recent archaeological study has revealed new insights into the advanced water management system of the ancient city of Petra, uncovering a 380-foot-long rare lead pipe within the ‘Ain Barq aqueduct. This discovery challenges previous assumptions that the aqueduct had a single channel, showing instead it had two main conduits, including one made of lead—a material choice reflecting Hellenistic engineering influences. The study highlights Petra’s sophisticated infrastructure, which included nine conduits, a large reservoir sealed by a dam, cisterns, basins, and runoff channels carved into rock, all designed to support the city’s water needs in an arid environment. The research, part of the Urban Development of Ancient Petra Project launched in 2023, emphasizes Petra’s technical prowess in overcoming the challenges posed by its rugged terrain. The lead pipe system was particularly suited to managing pressurized water across steep elevations, while later phases utilized terracotta pipes and open channels for distribution throughout the city. This engineering feat enabled Petra