Flash Floods Reveal Umayyad-Era Archaeological Structures in Syrian Desert
Heavy floods near the Qasr al-Hayr al-Sharqi have uncovered parts of a historic water canal, highlighting both the site's significance and the dangers of ongoing field research.
Recent flash floods in the Syrian desert have exposed remnants of ancient archaeological structures located in the vicinity of Qasr al-Hayr al-Sharqi, near the city of Al-Sukhnah.
Hassan Ali, Director of the Palmyra Antiquities Department, confirmed that the floods cleared away soil to reveal sections of the historic Wadi al-Souq canal, which dates back to the Umayyad era.
The canal was originally designed to transport water from springs to the palace and its surrounding orchards. Its main channel spans approximately 30 kilometers, with a network of branches extending over 100 kilometers.
Researcher Jamil al-Qayyim noted that the canal was later utilized to power grain mills.
Archaeological survey operations in the area are currently facing significant challenges due to the presence of landmines and war remnants, which complicate efforts to document and protect these findings.