Almotamar.net - The American archaeological team of Arkansas University revealed lately results of its archaeological study it has conducted in collaboration with the Yemeni Antiquities Authority in ten seasons extended over a period of 1994-2008 and that study registered about 531 significant historical sites in a part of Thamar governorate. Ages of those sites are between the epochs of prehistory until the Islamic age. Among these sites are 19 archaeological sites dating to the Stone Age, 101 to the Bronze Age, 92 to the Iron Age, 32 to the Himyarite age and 187 to Islamic Age.

In a scientific symposium the team held at Al-Baradony Library in Thamar last week, devoted for presentation of results of the archaeological survey of the archaeological area of Manaat Maria for the third season, the team revealed that in the period 15-25 May 2008 it discovered 32 major sites in that area and areas surrounding it covering an area of 18 square km dating to the Bronze and Iron Ages and most of them to the Himyarite Age. In addition to that there were discovered ruins of an old lake dating to almost 10 thousand years nearby to it were built ancient sites where remains of small fish were found in the area.

Chairman of the American team , archaeologist Dr Christa Luis pointed out , during her presentation of the survey results in the symposium , that works of the team and the Yemeni team were devoted to drawing up maps and aerial pictures of the site during which the ancient sites, and buildings within the area were documented, including temples, palaces, roads , dams , irrigation canals and walls , remains of two big walls are still to be seen , such as Al-Ajjah Dam , saying the study is considered the basis to next archaeological works and excavations and future researches.

She affirmed there are two roads discovered paved with stones dating the Himyarite Age of almost 2000 years. She the intensive works done in this season drew up aerial modern maps according to the G.P.S connected to satellites and the use of other latest equipment, documenting components of the site of main buildings , dams , ponds and main and branch streets in addition to the three main and more than 10 small gates of the site.

The team has also allocated sites and buildings dated to the Bronze Age whose remains are still standing with their foundations and features, among them large stone monuments and different-shaped buildings that have not been destroyed.