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| The Siwa Oasis?the name alone brings to mind images of desert sands, bedouins, camels, and palm trees around a small oasis in the middle of nowhere. However, this is far from what the oasis is really like. Siwa is located near the Libyan border at the northern edge of the Great Sand Sea and has a population that varies between 7 and 10 thousand people. The area is approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) long and 7-8 kilometers (5 miles) wide. There are approximately 200 natural springs located in and around the main town of Siwa and the oasis which have been used as water sources for the irrigation of fields, drinking water, washing, etc., for over 2000 years.
The history of Siwa dates back many thousands of years as documented in the Siwan Manuscript, of which there are only two known copies. Siwa is best known as being the seat of the Temple of Amon where Alexander the Great was declared a living God in 331 B.C. after making the arduous overland trip from the north coast settlement of Leukasis (what is now the modern city of Mersa Matruh). When Alexander came to Siwa to meet with the Oracle of Amon, he also brought with him a contingent of Roman soldiers who remained in the oasis for many years afterwards, as well as becoming a place of banishment for political prisoners as well.As a result, temples, roads, fortresses or military encampments, and quarries were constructed. Additionally, the local springs were modified to accommodate the needs of these soldiers.
Part of Cleopatra's Bath (Roman remains are below the stairway) The author (r) at Ain Abu Sharouf
Today, one can see the remains of many of these Roman well structures?..many of which are still in active use by the Siwans for field irrigation, bathing, and washing. A few of these wells are also on the popular tourist route through Siwa.
Although not much has been done in the way of Underwater Archaeological studies concerning these Roman era wells has been conducted, there has been mention of them by authors and researchers such as Ahmed Fakri and Rober B. Jackson but with their focus being more on the local Roman temples, roads, and encampments. Examples of Roman construction can be found at the springs of "Cleopatra's Bath", "Ain Missous", Ain el-Aryyis", "Ain Leaf", and "Ain Abu Sharouf". In December 2007, a recreational diver with an interest in Underwater Archaeology visited the Oasis and went diving in the well of Ain Abu Sharouf and became intrigued with the underwater wall structures, remains of ashlar blocks, and a small doorway located on the eastern side of the spring. After attempting to locate more information about the well, it was found that there was virtually no information available.
Ashlar blocks of a fallen Roman wall in Ain Abu Sharouf A diver looking at the well's karstic vent. The following March (2008), he returned to the well and conducted a general survey of the site, conducting measurements of the well, it's submerged walls, stairway, and ashlar blocks. After which, a report with his findings was published and submitted to the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities Department of Underwater Archaeology (SCA/DUA) office located in the Stanley district of Alexandria. This general survey report prompted the DUA to be tasked by the SCA office in Cairo to conduct a survey of Roman-era springs and wells located in the Siwa Oasis.
Diver looking at the well's western wall. Diver below the surface & above the wall in previous picture.
In August of 2008 the SCA/DUA team, along with the reporting diver, went to Siwa and conducted a general survey of the 5 wells and springs listed above, with limited sediment removal of part of the Ain Abu Sharouf well. Research of these wells is ongoing?..
References:
Siwa Oasis, Ahmed Fakri At Empire's Edge, Robert B. Jackon Ain Abu Sharouf General Survey, 25 May 2008, (Copyright M. Fleming, 2008) For more on Siwan History....go here: http://www.arabworldbooks.com/new/siwahistory.html Learn how to properly dive on sites like this!
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