International Journal Of Coastal, Offshore And Environmental Engineering(ijcoe)

International Journal Of Coastal, Offshore And Environmental Engineering(ijcoe)

Maritime Transport Corridors in Ancient Mesopotamia: Historical Models for Contemporary Regional Connectivity

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors
Rouhollah Amirabadi 1
Bashar Azeez Shon Al-Shihmani 2
Samira Babaei 3
Shakir Al-Busaltan 4
1 University of Qom
2 Ports, Coastal and Marine Structure Engineering Dep., Civil Engineering Faculty, University of Qom, Qom, Iran
3 Ports, Coastal and Marine Structure Department, Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Qom, Qom, Iran
4 Faculty of Engineering, University of Kerbala, Kerbala, Iraq
10.22034/ijcoe.2025.525007.1179
Abstract
This paper examines the formation and operation of maritime and intermodal transport corridors in ancient Mesopotamia to derive applicable insights for contemporary connectivity planning. Drawing on archaeological evidence, cuneiform texts, and theories in logistics and infrastructure development, the study reconstructs how Mesopotamian societies established and maintained integrated systems of sea-bound, riverine, and overland trade routes that enabled long-distance exchange and urban growth. Particular attention is paid to the strategic use of canal-sea-port linkages, estuarine navigation, and institutional coordination in sustaining efficient transport across diverse terrains and administrative regions. The analysis highlights key mechanisms such as canal realignment, phased route adjustments, and stakeholder-based governance that ensured continuity and adaptability across interconnected waterborne and land-based networks. Based on these findings, the paper proposes a conceptual model for modern transport corridor planning grounded in four core dimensions: hydro-responsive routing, time-sensitive scheduling, operational continuity, and multi-level institutional integration. This framework offers historically informed guidance for designing transport systems that are structurally coherent, logistically efficient, and institutionally coordinated, with particular relevance to maritime connectivity strategies in modern regional development.
Keywords
Ancient Mesopotamia
Maritime Transport
Historical Logistics
Connectivity Planning
Infrastructure Systems
Subjects