A recent archaeological study has confirmed that the massive L'Assut de l'Argamassa dam near Elche, Spain, dates back to the Roman era. The 130-meter long structure, located on the Vinalopó River, was previously believed to be of Islamic origin. The findings, announced on May 16, 2025, at an event held at the Espai Escènic of the CCCE L'Escorxador in Elche, highlight the sophisticated hydraulic engineering of the Romans in the region.
Researchers from the University Institute for Research in Archaeology and Historical Heritage of the University of Alicante (UA) employed optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating techniques. The analysis revealed that the dam was constructed between the late 1st century BC and the early 1st century AD. This firmly places its construction within the Roman period, linking it to the establishment of the Roman colony of Ilici (modern-day Elche).
Professor Jaime Molina Vidal of UA emphasized the dam's crucial role in regulating the flow of the Vinalopó River. He also suggested it potentially facilitated irrigation systems for the surrounding agricultural lands (ager ilicitanus). The discovery underscores the comprehensive approach the Romans took to water management and agricultural development in their colonies. The dam's construction is directly connected to the establishment of the Roman colony of Ilici and the subsequent development of the fertile agricultural land surrounding the city.