Iraq heavy rain uncovers trove of ancient artefacts
Terracotta pottery, coins and metal objects dating back to Parthian era were among items found
A team searches for ancient artefacts in Iraq (AFP/file photo)
Published date: 26 February 2018 02:05 GMT
|
Last update: 6 years 8 months ago
Heavy rainfall has uncovered 75 ancient artefacts at the Borsippa archaeological site in the Iraqi province of Babylon, the authorities announced on Sunday.
Terracotta pottery, coins and metal objects dating back to the Parthian era were among the items found, said Hussein Fleih of the provincial antiquities authority.
"These pieces will now be examined to determine their exact dating," he told AFP.
The discovery of the items because of rain is not uncommon in Iraq, but there have been several deep archaeological digs at the site next to a Muslim sanctuary dedicated to Abraham.
"Last year, 1,000 pieces were unearthed this way and this proves that antiquities can be on the surface and not deep underground," said Fleih.
New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch
Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters
Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.