The King Talal Dam is a large dam in the hills of northern Jordan, across the Zarqa River.
The King Talal dam was started in 1971, with the original construction being completed in 1977. In 1984, to meet the country's increased water demands, work to raise the dam further was begun, a project that was completed in 1988 at a cost of $90 million.
The dam is named after King Talal of Jordan, a monarch who briefly reigned from July 20, 1951 to August 11, 1952. He was the grandfather of Jordan's present king, King Abdullah II.
The King Talal Dam is a big contribution to renewable energy in Jordan.
Before the water of the Zarqa river became controlled by the dam the lower river could only be passed at fords mentioned in ancient literature. A photograph of 1929 shows the archaeologist William F. Albright passing the river by a horse.
Literature: W.F. ALBRIGHT, New Israelite and Pre-Israelite Sites: The Spring Trip of 1929: BASOR 35 (1935) 1-14 (11).
Coordinates: 32°11′24″N 35°48′05″E / 32.19°N 35.80139°E / 32.19; 35.80139
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