Resafa (Sergiopolis) — North Basilica Cistern B
Resafa Cistern B
Early Bronze to Medieval (3000 BCE–1400 CE)·Hydraulic culture·🇸🇾 Raqqa, Resafa, Syria
About
About Resafa (Sergiopolis) — North Basilica Cistern B
Resafa (Sergiopolis) — North Basilica Cistern B in Raqqa, Resafa, Syria is a Early Bronze to Medieval (3000 BCE–1400 CE) hydraulic attributed to Hydraulic culture. Systematic survey and LiDAR document stratified deposits. The site includes a principal citadel and ancillary necropolis. Dimensions canal 450 m long × 3.5 m wide; reservoir 52 m × 38 m; area 33.3 ha. Excavation partially-excavated; condition partially preserved. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Hydraulic culture hydraulic with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 300 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction technique
- 02Function and labor organization
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre
- 02Elite residence hypothesis
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1500 BCE
- Period
- Early Bronze to Medieval (3000 BCE–1400 CE)
- Culture
- Hydraulic culture
- Purpose
- Water management and hydraulic engineering
- Rediscovered
- 1891
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 1500 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 1061 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1937
Antiquarian record, modern excavation from 1960s
On the ground
Structures & features
35.6200° N · 38.7600° E · 300 m · 3 mapped features
Main Canal Channel
canalMain Canal Channel at Resafa (Sergiopolis) — North Basilica Cistern B — canal with stratified deposits
35.6198° N · 38.7578° EReservoir Basin
reservoirReservoir Basin at Resafa (Sergiopolis) — North Basilica Cistern B — reservoir with stratified deposits
35.6198° N · 38.7615° ERegulator Gate
gateRegulator Gate at Resafa (Sergiopolis) — North Basilica Cistern B — gate with stratified deposits
35.6211° N · 38.7595° E