Ancient Irrigation Canals Unveiled Beneath Mesopotamia's First City

Researchers uncover a vast canal network near Eridu, offering new insights into early farming and water management in Mesopotamia.

Archaeologists mapped over 200 primary canals and 4,000 smaller branches linked to the ancient Euphrates River in the Eridu region of southern Mesopotamia.
The canal system, preserved due to a shift in the Euphrates’ course, dates back to between the sixth and early first millennium BC.
The network irrigated over 700 farms, with field sizes ranging from 5,000 to more than 200,000 square feet, showcasing advanced water management techniques.
Farmers utilized natural river levees and gravity to distribute water efficiently, with the northern side of the river more heavily cultivated.
Further research aims to date specific canals and compare findings with ancient cuneiform texts to deepen understanding of early agricultural practices.