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Sunday, Aug 31, 2025

Ancient Tombs Unearthed in Drought-Hit Iraq Due to Reservoir Water Levels Declining

Ancient Tombs Unearthed in Drought-Hit Iraq Due to Reservoir Water Levels Declining

Archaeologists discover 40 ancient tombs in northern Duhok province, believed to be over 2,300 years old.
KHANKE, Iraq: Archaeologists in drought-stricken Iraq have uncovered approximately 40 ancient tombs along the edges of the Mosul Dam reservoir in the Khanke region of Duhok province.

According to Bekas Brefkany, director of antiquities in Duhok and leader of the archaeological work at the site, water levels dropping to their lowest this year allowed for excavation efforts to proceed.

The discovered tombs are estimated to be over 2,300 years old, dating back to either the Hellenistic or Hellenistic-Seleucid period.

Brefkany emphasized that his team was focused on excavating and transferring the tombs to the Duhok Museum for further study and preservation before the site is submerged again.

The discovery of these ancient tombs highlights the unintended consequences climate change and drought have had on archaeological sites in Iraq, a country particularly susceptible to environmental changes.

Rising temperatures, chronic water shortages, and consecutive years of drought have plagued Iraq, with this year being recorded as one of the driest since 1933.

Water reserves are currently at an alarming eight percent capacity.

The effects of these environmental factors extend beyond agriculture and electricity; they create unique opportunities for archaeological exploration.

Brefkany noted that while droughts present challenges across various sectors in Iraq, the reduced water levels allow archaeologists to conduct excavation work that might otherwise be impossible due to the submersion of potential sites.

The discovery not only sheds light on ancient civilizations but also underscores the delicate balance between environmental changes and historical preservation.
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