Yakhchals - Ancient Structures Used To Store Ice In The Desert

#recentdiscoveries #newtechnology #archaeology Around 400 BC, the Persians invented a cooler that allowed them to store ice all year round. The cooler goes by the name of “yakhchāl“. Yakhchal is a type of evaporative cooler which cooled the air through the evaporation of water. Above ground, the structure had a domed shape, but had a subterranean storage space. It was often used to store ice, but sometimes was used to store food as well. These thousand year old structures were made from composed of sand, clay, egg whites, goat hair, lemon juice, ash and a water resistant mortar called sarooj. It used a heat resistant type of clay which could keep the interior nice and cool. The structures would allow for cool air to come in from the entries at the base and the warm air would exit from the top of it. In the winter, ice is brought directly from the nearby mountains, or water is diverted to Yakhchal through underground channels, known as Qanats. Once within the yakhchal, the water would freeze overnight. And once frozen, it will be break up into blocks in order so that the water can be transported outside yakhchal for drinking or other purposes. This was a rather advanced concept for ancient people during that period and it managed to be effective year long. The ice created and stored in yakhchāl is used throughout the year especially during hot summer days for various purposes, including preservation of food and to make faloodeh, the traditional Persian frozen dessert. Although most yakhchāl cannot withstand the ravages of time, some of them are still well preserved and can be found in Middle Eastern countries. Unbelievable Sea Creatures With Human Teeth Creepiest Archaeological Finds Ever Made Mysterious Ancient Fossil Found In Antarctica Incredible New Species Of Walking Sharks Discovered In Australia