Kharaba Bridge

Last updated
Kharaba Bridge
Coordinates 32°33′04″N36°26′00″E / 32.551093°N 36.433285°E / 32.551093; 36.433285
CrossesWadi Zeidi
LocaleClose to Bosra, Syria
Characteristics
Design Arch bridge
Material Basalt blocks
Width4.52 m
Longest span3.8 m
No. of spans3
Location
Kharaba Bridge

The Kharaba Bridge is a Roman bridge in the village of Kharaba in the fertile Hauran region of Syria, close to the city of Bosra (ancient Bostra).

Contents

The bridge crosses the Wadi Zeidi, a tributary of the Yarmuk, 3.5 km northwest of Bosra. [1] It has three semi-circular arches, each 3.8 m clear, that rest on 2.4 m wide piers with a height of 2.5 m to the springing level. [1] The bridge width is 4.52 m. [2] At the eastern side exists a small squarish floodway which is supported by a column with capital. [3] The vaults and the covering are predominantly built with black greenish basalt ashlar; overall, the ancient structure is still in a fairly good condition. [3]

There are at least two more Roman bridges crossing the Wadi Zeidi: the Gemarrin Bridge and one at Al-Taybah. [4]

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 O’Connor 1993 , p. 131
  2. Kissel & Stoll 2000 , p. 115
  3. 1 2 Kissel & Stoll 2000 , p. 117, Fig. 12
  4. Kissel & Stoll 2000 , p. 110, Fig. 1b

Sources