Recent excavations at the ancient port city of Adulis have identified a complex system of stone-lined embankments and drainage channels designed to mitigate seasonal flooding from the nearby Haddas River. This discovery, detailed in a 2026 field report, highlights the sophisticated hydraulic engineering prowess of the city's ancient planners in managing the volatile coastal environment of the Red Sea.
Archaeologists believe these structures were vital for protecting the city's 40-hectare urban core, including its religious basilicas and commercial warehouses. The find adds a significant new dimension to our understanding of the Aksumite Empire's technical capabilities, proving they possessed advanced civil engineering skills long before the medieval period.