In a rare archaeological discovery, researchers in drought-stricken Iraq have uncovered 40 ancient tombs after water levels in the country’s largest reservoir receded, an antiquities official revealed on Saturday.
The tombs, believed to be more than 2,300 years old, were unearthed along the edges of the Mosul Dam reservoir in the Khanke region of Duhok province in northern Iraq. The discovery has been hailed as an extraordinary find, shedding light on Iraq’s rich ancient history.
Tombs Dating Back Over 2,300 Years
Bekas Brefkany, the Director of Antiquities in Duhok, confirmed the discovery, stating, “So far, we have discovered approximately 40 tombs.” His team had initially surveyed the area in 2023, spotting fragments of a few tombs. However, excavation only began this year when water levels dropped to their lowest point, revealing the previously hidden tombs.
In recent years, similar discoveries have been made in the same region, driven by the droughts that have ravaged Iraq for the last five years. “The droughts impact many aspects like agriculture and electricity. But for us archaeologists, it allows us to do excavation work,” Brefkany said, noting the unexpected benefits of these harsh environmental conditions.
Impact of Climate Change on Iraq
Iraq has been severely affected by climate change, with rising temperatures and chronic water shortages exacerbating the problem. This year, the country is experiencing one of its driest periods since 1933, with water reserves plummeting to just 8% of their full capacity. Authorities also blame upstream dams in Iran and Turkey for drastically reducing the flow of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which have historically supported agriculture and water supply in Iraq.
Ancient Tombs from the Hellenistic Period
The newly discovered tombs are believed to date back to the Hellenistic or Hellenistic-Seleucid period, a time that followed Alexander the Great’s conquests. Archaeologists are currently working to excavate the site and carefully transfer the tombs to the Duhok Museum for further preservation and study before the area is submerged again.
In recent years, droughts have not only disrupted the livelihoods of many in Iraq but have also led to the uncovering of ancient ruins, providing a window into the country’s long-forgotten past.
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