Archaeologists in Iraq have made a significant discovery, unearthing approximately 40 ancient tombs in the Mosul Dam reservoir in the Khanke region of Duhok province. The tombs are believed to date back over 2,300 years to the Hellenistic or Hellenistic-Seleucid period.
“So far, we have discovered approximately 40 tombs,” said Bekas Brefkany, the director of antiquities in Duhok and leader of the archaeological work at the site.
His team initially surveyed the area in 2023 but only spotted parts of a few tombs. They were able to commence excavation work this year when water levels dropped to their lowest.
The drought has significantly impacted the region, allowing archaeologists to access previously submerged areas. “The droughts have a significant impact on many aspects, like agriculture and electricity.
But, for us archaeologists… it allows us to do excavation work,” Brefkany explained. The team is working to excavate the tombs and transfer them to the Duhok Museum for further study and preservation before the area is submerged again.
Iraq has been facing severe droughts, rising temperatures, and chronic water shortages, exacerbated by upstream dams built in neighboring Iran and Turkey, which have dramatically lowered the flow of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Authorities have warned that this year has been one of the driest since 1933, with water reserves down to only 8 percent of their full capacity.
Ancient tombs and cities have been uncovered in Iraq due to severe droughts that have lowered water levels in the Mosul Dam reservoir.
The discovery includes approximately 40 ancient tombs believed to date back to the Hellenistic or Hellenistic-Seleucid period, around 2,300 years ago. These tombs were found at the edges of the reservoir in the Khanke region of Duhok province.
The drought has also revealed a 3,400-year-old palace known as Kemune Palace, which was part of the mysterious Mittani Empire that ruled parts of Syria and northern Mesopotamia.
The palace features well-preserved murals with bright shades of red and blue, demonstrating advanced artistic skills of ancient Mesopotamians. Ten clay tablets with cuneiform writing were also discovered, providing valuable insights into the culture and traditions of the Mittani Empire.
According to Bekas Brefkany, director of antiquities in Duhok, the drought has allowed archaeologists to access previously inaccessible areas. “The droughts have a significant impact on many aspects, like agriculture and electricity.
But, for us archaeologists… it allows us to do excavation work.” The team is working to excavate the tombs and transfer them to the Duhok Museum for further study and preservation.
Iraq has been facing severe droughts, rising temperatures, and chronic water shortages, exacerbated by upstream dams built in neighboring Iran and Turkey, which have dramatically lowered the flow of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Authorities have warned that this year has been one of the driest since 1933, with water reserves down to only 8 percent of their full capacity.
The discovery of the lost city of Zakhikuan, believed to be part of the Mittani Empire, has provided new insights into the history of northern Mesopotamia.
The city’s well-preserved walls, sometimes reaching almost ten feet high, demonstrate the advanced engineering skills of ancient Mesopotamians.
The excavation has also uncovered new insights into the history of the Mitanni Empire and its eventual decline.