Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of an ancient city in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, estimated to date back nearly 5,000 years, following a drop in water levels at the Mosul Dam.
The Duhok Directorate of Antiquities and Heritage announced that the site includes what may be the largest cemetery of clay coffins from the Hellenistic period (circa 300 BC). Excavation teams are now conducting urgent salvage operations to preserve artifacts and protect the graves that have been exposed by the receding waters.
Layers of Civilization
Initial studies suggest that the site spans multiple eras, with pottery fragments linked to the Nineveh V period, the Early and Middle Bronze Ages, the Mitanni period, and the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Additional pottery shards from the Hellenistic era through the Islamic period have also been recovered, reflecting the city’s long-standing role as a cultural crossroads.
Submerged Legacy Revealed
The area was originally submerged after the construction of the Mosul Dam in 1986. This year’s significant drop in water levels revealed the ancient settlement, providing archaeologists with a rare opportunity to recover historical materials that had remained hidden for decades.
Officials emphasized the importance of the discovery in broadening understanding of Mesopotamian and regional history, particularly the continuity of settlement and cultural influence in northern Iraq over millennia.
Preserving the Past
Authorities have called the find a vital contribution to Iraq’s cultural heritage, underscoring the need for swift excavation and conservation efforts. Scholars note that the site could provide key insights into urban development, burial traditions, and trade networks in Mesopotamia, which has long been considered the cradle of civilization.
–Input WAM
