Middle East
Latest about Middle East

Pazuzu figurine: An ancient statue of the Mesopotamian 'demon' god who inspired 'The Exorcist'
By Kristina Killgrove published
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.

Meskalamdug's Helmet: One of the world's oldest helmets depicts a Mesopotamian prince's man bun
By Kristina Killgrove published
This 15-karat gold helmet was discovered in a royal tomb at Ur, but it may only have been worn for ceremonial purposes.

Mesopotamia quiz: Test your knowledge about the ancient civilizations of the Fertile Crescent
By Kristina Killgrove published
Are you as assured as Ashurbanipal about your knowledge of Mesopotamia, or as dim as Nimrud?

Assyrian swimmers: 2,900-year-old carving of soldiers using inflatable goat skins to cross a river
By Kristina Killgrove published
A carved panel found at Nimrud depicts Assyrian soldiers swimming across a river and using inflatable goat skins as floaties.

Enslaved Africans led a decade-long rebellion 1,200 years ago in Iraq, new evidence suggests
By Owen Jarus published
The 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.

Ram in the Thicket: A 4,500-year-old gold statue from the royal cemetery at Ur
By Kristina Killgrove published
This statue covered in gold leaf and semiprecious stones may have been used in ancient Mesopotamian sunrise rituals.

'Quite enigmatic': Rare stone carving of Assyrian king surrounded by gods discovered in Iraq
By Kristina Killgrove published
A massive stone carving featuring an Assyrian ruler and several deities has been found in Iraq.

Massive Mesopotamian canal network unearthed in Iraq
By Patrick Pester published
Researchers 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.
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