Pottery factory from 3rd millennium BC unearthed in Lagash, Iraq

LAGASH, Iraq — An archaeological team from the University of Pennsylvania has uncovered a significant discovery in Lagash, an ancient Sumerian city in Dhi Qar Governorate in southern Iraq. The excavation revealed a pottery factory dating back to the third millennium BC, providing unprecedented insights into the daily lives of the Sumerian working class.

The discovery began with aerial photographs, which were corroborated by geophysical and magnetic surveys, before excavation work commenced at the site. Lagash, covering an expansive 600 hectares, is regarded as Iraq’s largest archaeological site and one of the largest in the Middle East.

Zaid al-Rawi, Director of the University of Pennsylvania Museum project in southern Mesopotamia, described the site as a complete pottery production facility. “This factory offers a detailed glimpse into the lives of ordinary Sumerians, showcasing the entire pottery-making process — from clay collection and purification to shaping, firing, and waste disposal,” he explained.

The findings also reveal critical information about kiln construction, fuel types, and the daily logistics of operating such a facility, including how workers were supplied with food and drink. Al-Rawi noted that the discovery sheds light on the economic and social structures of the time, highlighting the roles of artisans and laborers in Sumerian society.

The excavation process, initiated in 2019, has been a multi-year effort involving a team of 10 experts and local workers. This discovery is expected to significantly enrich understanding of ancient Sumerian craftsmanship and the urban organization of Lagash.

This find reaffirms Lagash’s importance as a center of Sumerian civilization, offering new avenues for understanding the culture and industry of one of the world’s earliest urban societies.