Archaeological Treasure: Drought Reveals Ancient Tombs in Northern Iraq

A devastating drought in Iraq has led to a stunning archaeological discovery, with a team of researchers uncovering approximately 40 ancient tombs in the country’s northern region. The tombs, believed to be more than 2,300 years old and dating to the Hellenistic-Seleucid period, have been exposed as the water level of the Mosul Dam reservoir has fallen to its lowest point in years.

The discovery was made in the Khanke region of Duhok province by a team led by Bekas Brefkany, the director of antiquities in Duhok. While the team first surveyed the area in 2023 and spotted initial traces of the tombs, the receding waters this year allowed them to begin full-scale excavation work. The site is part of a larger, previously submerged cemetery and a lost city that was deliberately flooded when the Mosul Dam was constructed in the 1980s.

“The droughts have a significant impact on many aspects, like agriculture and electricity,” Brefkany noted in a statement. “But, for us archaeologists… it allows us to do excavation work.” The team found ceramic graves and pottery, which are providing valuable insights into the history of northern Mesopotamia.

Iraq, which is particularly vulnerable to climate change, has been battling five consecutive years of drought. While this environmental crisis has been devastating for daily life, it has provided a unique opportunity for archaeologists, revealing several long-hidden ancient sites in recent years. The team is now working with a sense of urgency to excavate and document the tombs before the water levels inevitably rise and submerge the site once more. The discovered artifacts are planned to be transferred to the Duhok Museum for preservation and further study.