Middle East
-
'We never had concrete proof': Archaeologists discover Christian cross in Abu Dhabi, proving 1,400-year-old site was a monasteryThe discovery of a Christian cross proves that eighth-century houses found in the United Arab Emirates were part of a monastery.
By Kristina Killgrove Published
5 Commentsmiddle-east -
Pazuzu figurine: An ancient statue of the Mesopotamian 'demon' god who inspired 'The Exorcist'Statues of the Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu are often found at archaeological sites, and his cultural relevance is seen in recent comparisons to creepy-looking Labubu dolls.
By Kristina Killgrove Published
middle-east -
Meskalamdug's Helmet: One of the world's oldest helmets depicts a Mesopotamian prince's man bunThis 15-karat gold helmet was discovered in a royal tomb at Ur, but it may only have been worn for ceremonial purposes.
By Kristina Killgrove Published
middle-east -
Mesopotamia quiz: Test your knowledge about the ancient civilizations of the Fertile CrescentAre you as assured as Ashurbanipal about your knowledge of Mesopotamia, or as dim as Nimrud?
By Kristina Killgrove Published
middle-east -
Assyrian swimmers: 2,900-year-old carving of soldiers using inflatable goat skins to cross a riverA carved panel found at Nimrud depicts Assyrian soldiers swimming across a river and using inflatable goat skins as floaties.
By Kristina Killgrove Published
7 Commentsmiddle-east -
Enslaved Africans led a decade-long rebellion 1,200 years ago in Iraq, new evidence suggestsThe Zanj, enslaved people largely from Africa, rebelled at the same time they were ordered to build a massive system of canals in what is now Iraq, a new study finds.
By Owen Jarus Published
middle-east -
Ram in the Thicket: A 4,500-year-old gold statue from the royal cemetery at UrThis statue covered in gold leaf and semiprecious stones may have been used in ancient Mesopotamian sunrise rituals.
By Kristina Killgrove Published
4 Commentsmiddle-east -
'Quite enigmatic': Rare stone carving of Assyrian king surrounded by gods discovered in IraqA massive stone carving featuring an Assyrian ruler and several deities has been found in Iraq.
By Kristina Killgrove Published
middle-east -
Massive Mesopotamian canal network unearthed in IraqResearchers have identified an extensive Mesopotamian canal network that supplied ancient farms in the Eridu region with water from the Euphrates river before the first millennium B.C.
By Patrick Pester Published
middle-east
