THE IMPACT OF THE FALAJ DURING THE IRON

AGE

Answer the following questions briefly:

1. What is falaj?

The falaj system is a network of underground water channels that mainly used for irrigation in the
Al Ain region. Aflaj is the plural of Falaj, which means split into parts. This irrigation system
effectively divided the water among all the inhabitants.

2. What did the people of Sharjah do to get fresh water?

At the coastal town of Muweilah in the Sharjah region, people used new types of wells that tapped
the fresh water that lay above salty water.

3. Why wells and spring were not enough to get fresh water?

Around 1,000 BCE, there was another slight reduction in rainfall in the UAE. Thus, the level of
water under the ground probably dropped and became even more difficult to reach. The well sources
eventually affected by declining rainfall. The inland springs would have dried up, too. In this
situation, people needed water from deeper underground and a system to transport it to the surface

4. How the Aflaj and oasis are related?

A falaj is an underground channel that carries fresh water from sources in the mountains and
springs. The falaj also provided water for many of the oases that developed.

5. Why did people prefer to use iron instead of bronze during The Iron Age?

In some parts of the world Iron replaced bronze for making tools and weapons as Iron was more
durable and stronger than bronze

6. Why did not the Iron Age start at the same time all over the world?
The Iron Age was recognized at different times in Different parts of the world because the presence
of iron and the technologies to utilize iron appeared at different times in different parts of the world.

7. What crops did people grow after the introduction of the "falaj"?

The use of the falaj changed the crops that could be grown. There is evidence that sesame was
cultivated, and this could be used for making oil or flour. The herb basil and other plants were
grown and cultivated in the small gardens.

8. What material did people start to use to make houses?

During the Iron Age, around 1,000 BCE, houses in the UAE area were made more and more of
mudbrick. The construction of mudbrick houses relied upon knowledge of which materials to use in
the mudbricks and how to design buildings so that they would last.

9. How did having aflaj impact human life in the region around 1000BCE?

ANS: The falaj had a big impact on human life in the region. Around 1000 BCE, new village and
towns grew in the UAE. The falaj also provided water for many of the oasis.

10.What are the approximate times for each age in the UAE area?

Stone Age: Up to about 3,000 BCE

Bronze Age: About 3,000 - 1200 BCE

Iron Age: About 1200 - 1,000 BCE

11.TABLE

Match the following matels with the modern day items.

Metals Items Answer

a Gold 1 Weapons, train a 2
b Steel 2 Money, jewelry b 1
c Copper 3 Wiring and plumbing c 3
d Iron 4 Musical instruments, medals d 5
e Bronze 5 Washing machines,cars e 4