Connect with us

Entertainment

Extreme drought reveals ruins of 3,400-year-old ancient city in Iraq 

Archaeologists have rediscovered the ruins of a 3,400-year-old city in Iraq due to extreme drought brought on by climate change.

German and Kurdish researchers have uncovered the Mittani Empire-era city, once located on the Tigris River. It emerged from the waters of the Mosul reservoir early this year as water levels fell rapidly due to drought in Iraq, the university said in a statement on Tuesday.

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

The archaeologists believe that the ancient city, which includes a palace and several large buildings, might be ancient Zakhiku, which was once an important center in the Empire sometime between 1550 and 1350 BC.

One of the countries most affected by climate change, Iraq has experienced some extreme weather conditions in recent months. The south of the country has also been suffering from extreme drought for months, the University of Tubingen said in a statement.

Since December 2021, large amounts of water from the Mosul reservoir have been used to prevent crops from drying out. This then led to the reappearance of the Bronze Age city which was submerged decades ago without any prior archaeological investigations. The area is located at Kemune in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region.

The unforeseen event has put archaeologists under sudden pressure to excavate and document parts of the once-submerged ancient city as soon as possible before it is resubmerged.

Kurdish archaeologist Dr Hasan Ahmed Qasim, chairman of the Kurdistan Archaeology Organization, and the German archaeologists Dr Ivana Puljiz of the University of Freiburg and Dr Peter Pfälzner of the University of Tübingen spontaneously decided to undertake joint rescue excavations at Kemune. These took place in January and February 2022 in collaboration with the Directorate of Antiquities and Heritage in Duhok (Kurdistan Region of Iraq).

An excavation team was put together and funding for the undertaking was approved within days.

Under immense time pressure, they uncovered several other buildings as well as a massive fortification of walls and towers.

Archaeologists say a large earthquake destroyed the Mittani city around 1350 BC, causing the upper parts of these walls to come crashing down on the buildings within and they believe that this is what helped keep the structures so well-preserved after all these years submerged underwater.

In addition, they also discovered a multi-story storage building and some sort of industrial complex.

“The huge magazine building is of particular importance because enormous quantities of goods must have been stored in it, probably brought from all over the region,” said Puljiz.

“The excavation results show that the site was an important center in the Mittani Empire,” Qasim said.

Inside the ruins, the archaeologists discovered five ceramic jars containing over 100 tablets, written in Cuneiform, an ancient script used by several cultures throughout the Middle Eastern region. These tablets date back to the Middle Assyrian period, just before the earthquake that destroyed the city.

“It is close to a miracle that cuneiform tablets made of unfired clay survived so many decades underwater,” said Pfalzner.

Much of the site was covered in plastic and the buildings with gravel, to prevent them from deteriorating.

The Mosul reservoir is now full again, meaning that the city is underwater again, until the effects of climate change are felt again.

Read more:

Saudi Arabia finds 80-million-year-old fossil, pre-historic rock art in Red Sea area

Egypt displays trove of newly discovered ancient artifacts at Saqqara near Cairo

Egypt awards eight gold, metal mining exploration licenses: Ministry

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

ABU DHABI NATIONAL HOTELS PRESENTS SEPTEMBER OFFERS

Experience the true meaning of luxury with Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai and Kempinski
Central Avenue Dubai exclusive UAE residents offer. Get 10% off the best flexible rate, and
enjoy a complimentary breakfast prepared by expert chefs. Delight in luxurious
accommodations, exceptional service and an incredible location with direct access to the
Dubai Mall. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment or enjoy a full
day of shopping at one of the world’s largest retail and entertainment destinations, you will
experience a perfect stay at Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai and Kempinski Central Avenue
Dubai

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest at ADIHEX 2024: A celebration of ancestral elegance

The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) announce the return of the prestigious Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, a unique initiative aimed at highlighting the significance of purebred hunting dogs and fostering a connection between the new generation and their rich ancestral heritage.
Under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club (EFC), this iconic event is scheduled from 31st August to 8th September, 2024, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, celebrating the blending of deep Emirati cultural traditions with cutting-edge innovation and technology across 11 diverse sectors.
A highlight of this year’s event is the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest. One of the world’s oldest and most revered dog breeds, the Arabian Saluki stands as a symbol of wild hunting and desert traditions in the Middle East. Known for its grace, speed, and intelligence, this distinctive breed has been a faithful companion to the Bedouin people for over 5,000 years, serving as both a hunter and guardian. The Saluki’s agility and loyalty have made it an integral part of hunting and racing traditions, especially within the Arabian Peninsula.
The Arabian Saluki Centre was established in Abu Dhabi in 2001 alongside the Emirates Falconers’ Club, marking the first facility of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region and the Middle East, to revive the tradition of desert hunting using Saluki dogs, a cherished aspect of desert heritage.
ADIHEX was the first cultural event in the Arab region to honour the bond between Man and his loyal companion, which has been by our side for thousands of years. The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is a unique initiative designed to promote interest in purebred hunting dogs and to strengthen the new generation’s connection to their ancestral heritage and traditions and to serve as a testament to this unique bond.
With its origin steeped in history, this fascinating dog’s name is believed to be derived from the city of Saluk in Yemen or the Bani Saluk tribe. Renowned for its endurance and elegance, the Saluki can reach speeds up to 75 kilometres per hour, maintaining this pace over distances up to almost five kilometres. The breed is cherished for its unique physical characteristics, including a slender body, deep chest, long legs, and two distinct coat types: ‘Al Hoss’ (smooth) and ‘Aryash’ (feathery).
The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, held during ADIHEX, is more than a beauty pageant. It celebrates the essence of the Saluki by focusing on the dog’s personality, skills, reflexes, and sensory response. Unlike typical dog competitions, this contest evaluates the Saluki’s breed characteristics, behaviour, overall appearance, structure, hunting skills, and psychological traits. Judging criteria include the dog’s gait, head, eyes, mouth, ears, coat, colour, and general impression.
The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is an integral part of ADIHEX’s mission to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the UAE and the wider Arab world. This contest not only showcases the beauty and abilities of the Saluki but also plays a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving traditional hunting practices and the Saluki’s role in them.
This year’s competition will feature four categories: ‘Smooth (Hoss) Males,’ ‘Feathery (Aryash) Males,’ ‘Smooth (Hoss) Females,’ and ‘Feathery (Aryash) Females.’ The event is scheduled to take place during ADIHEX 2024, and, per the rules, participants must ensure their dogs are healthy, microchipped, and vaccinated.
The Saluki’s enduring legacy is celebrated through this competition, which draws participants and spectators from across the region and beyond. It provides a platform for Saluki enthusiasts to connect, share their passion, and celebrate a breed that has remained virtually unchanged for millennia, reflecting the diverse hunting landscapes and traditions of the Middle East.
Aside from the alluring Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, as the largest edition of ADIHEX to date, the 21st edition will showcase thousands of brands across 11 diverse sectors, offering a dynamic platform for new business opportunities and captivating audiences of all ages. This exhibition celebrates the thrill of an adventurous outdoor lifestyle, allowing visitors to explore falconry, hunting, equestrian sports, veterinary products, fishing and marine sports, environmental preservation, cultural heritage, arts and crafts, and the latest in technology and innovation across all the represented sectors.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Sharjah Ruler directs allocation of beach for women in Khorfakkan’s Al Luluyah area

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the allocation of a 500-metre beach for women in Al Luluyah area of Khorfakkan, providing them with complete privacy. The project will include a service building that includes a cafe, a medical clinic and a prayer room for women. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah also directed the construction of a pedestrian bridge linking Al Bardi 6 and Al Batha areas in Khorfakkan, to facilitate the movement of citizens, and modifications will be implemented on the internal roads in the Hayawa area.

Continue Reading

Trending