Ruins of hidden 3,400 year old ancient city emerges as huge dam dries up

An ancient city in Iraq, considered to be around 3,400 years old, has been discovered in the Kurdistan region of Kemune in the country. The reason behind its sudden discovery is actually a drought that has lowered the water levels in Iraq's largest reservoir.

The ancient city, which is thought to be from the Bronze Age was discovered after a certain area in the Tigris River dried up, allowing the city to be excavated before the dam filled up again.

The German and Kurdish team of archaeologists have said that this ancient city was possibly a crucial hub during the rule of the Mittani Empire from 1550 BC to 1350 BC.

The team of archaeologists excavating the area is from the University of Freiburg in Germany and in their press statement Dr Ivana Puljiz said, “Since the city was located directly on the Tigris, it may have played an important role in connecting the core region of the Mittani Empire, which was located in present-day northeastern Syria, and the empire's eastern periphery.”

The unearthing was on a timer, however, because of the rising water levels of the reservoir. In their press release, the university said, “To avert further damage to the important site by the rising water, the excavated buildings were completely covered with tight-fitting plastic sheeting and covered with gravel fill as part of an extensive conservation project funded by the Gerda Henkel Foundation. This is intended to protect the walls of unbaked clay and any other finds still hidden in the ruins during times of flooding. The site is now once more completely submerged.”

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