A team of German and Kurdish archaeologists have uncovered a 3400-year-old Mittani Empire-era city once located on the Tigris River. The settlement emerged from the waters of the Mosul reservoir early this year as water levels fell rapidly due to extreme drought in Iraq. The extensive city with a palace and several large buildings could be ancient Zakhiku – believed to have been an important center in the Mittani Empire (ca. 1550-1350 BC).
Bronze Age city resurfaced due to drought and a race against time.
Iraq is one of the countries in the world most affected by climate change. The south of the country in particular has been suffering from extreme drought for months. To prevent crops from drying out, large amounts of water have been drawn down from the Mosul reservoir – Iraq’s most important water storage – since December. This led to the reappearance of a Bronze Age city that had been submerged decades ago without any prior archaeological investigations. Archaeologists say the city dates back to the time of the Empire of Mittani. A large earthquake destroyed the Mittani city around 1350 BC, causing the upper parts of the walls to come crashing down on buildings and burying them.
This unforeseen event put archaeologists under sudden pressure to excavate and document at least parts of this large, important city as quickly as possible before it was resubmerged. The Kurdish archaeologist Dr. Hasan Ahmed Qasim, chairman of the Kurdistan Archaeology Organization, and the German archaeologists Jun.-Prof. Dr. Ivana Puljiz (University of Freiburg) and Prof. Dr. Peter Pfälzner (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).
Historical of the Tigris River region and the Mittani Empire
The Tigris River region has long been a cradle of civilization, playing a crucial role in the development of some of the world’s earliest and most influential societies. This area, part of ancient Mesopotamia, witnessed the rise of various powerful empires and city-states, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. The rich, fertile lands along the Tigris supported extensive agriculture, which in turn sustained large populations and the growth of complex urban centers.
The newly discovered city dates back to the Mittani Empire, which thrived around 1500-1350 BCE. The Mittani were a Hurrian-speaking people who established a significant kingdom in northern Mesopotamia and Syria. Known for their formidable chariotry and influential diplomatic relations, the Mittani Empire played a pivotal role in the political dynamics of the region, often engaging with powerful neighbors like Egypt, Hatti, and Assyria. The cultural and technological advancements during this period, including advancements in metallurgy and the development of sophisticated irrigation systems, are reflected in the remnants of this sunken city.
The remnants of 3,400 year-old city
The discovery of the sunken city has yielded a wealth of artifacts, each offering a glimpse into the life and times of the ancient Mittani civilization. Among the most notable finds are intricately designed pottery pieces, which showcase the artistic skills and aesthetic sensibilities of the people. These pottery items include various types of vessels used for storage, cooking, and ceremonial purposes, reflecting both everyday life and ritual practices.
Cuneiform tablets, inscribed with the ancient script, have also been uncovered. These tablets are likely to contain records of administrative activities, legal transactions, and possibly literary works, providing valuable information about the political and social structures of the Mittani Empire. The content of these tablets can offer insights into the governance, economy, and culture of the time, making them a crucial resource for historians and archaeologists.
Additionally, tools and implements made from metal and stone have been found, indicating advanced metallurgical and crafting techniques. These tools range from agricultural implements to weapons and household items, highlighting the technological advancements and daily activities of the city’s inhabitants.
Architectural remains, such as the well-preserved walls of a sprawling palace and large storage buildings, reveal the city’s layout and its importance as an administrative center. The palace, with its intricate carvings and robust construction, suggests a place of significant political and ceremonial activity.
The discovery of the 3,400-year-old city in the Tigris River is a significant archaeological event, offering valuable information about the history and culture of the Mesopotamia region. It also serves as a warning about the far-reaching consequences of climate change on cultural heritage.
