Compare water supply and water demand—A model for a better understanding of water management in ancient times by the example of Assyrian settlements along the lower Ḫābūr River*

Abstract

The understanding of water management can be key to the understanding of cultures. The collaboration between archaeology and water management gives rise to new and interesting insights into the function and use of hydraulic structures and water management in ancient civilizations. In this article the concept was introduced of how water supply and water demand can be compared to check especially how many people could exist in an area. This concept was developed and tested by the situation of Assyrian settlements along the Ḫābūr River with a part of the available archaeology data. Further discussions between experts on water management and archaeology could improve this concept. Displaying water management is an essential contribution to the understanding of the canal system along the Lower Ḫābūr River and its importance for the local population. Extensive research into the processing and incorporation of all available data can further refine the route of the canal. The developed concept is also an idea for other archaeology projects in arid and semi-arid regions to check if the water supply is enough for the estimated number of people.