IRAQ: Discovery of ancient tombs and human remains in Ashur

ASHUR, Iraq — Archaeologists working in the ancient Assyrian city of Ashur have uncovered human remains, burial sites, and pottery fragments, offering a deeper glimpse into the rich layers of one of Beth Nahrin’s (Mesopotamia) most significant capitals. The discovery, made by a German excavation team in collaboration with Iraq’s Ministry of Culture, marks a crucial step in ongoing efforts to document and preserve Iraq’s ancient heritage.

The findings, revealed last Wednesday, consist of burial sites and skeletal remains spanning three distinct archaeological layers: the Euphrates layer, the Hellenistic-Seleucid layer, and the original Assyrian layer — the deepest and most historically significant.

“The primary goal is to reach the core of the original Assyrian city,” said Salim Abdullah, director of the site, in an interview with Shafaq News. Excavation efforts in Ashur have been carried out seasonally for the past three years, with researchers working in two-month intervals followed by extensive documentation and analysis.

Among the most striking discoveries is a burial chamber believed to date back over 3,000 years. Inside, researchers found ornately decorated pottery, remnants of wooden coffins, and preserved skeletal remains arranged in a manner suggestive of elaborate funerary rituals. The pottery fragments display geometric carvings and depictions of religious symbols, possibly used in burial rites.

Ashur, nestled on the banks of the Tigris River in Iraq’s Nineveh province near Shirqat, served as the first religious and political capital of the Assyrian Empire. Named after the supreme Assyrian deity, the city was a central hub of trade and governance, shaping regional politics for centuries.

The discovery adds to growing archaeological evidence of Ashur’s role in shaping ancient Beth Nahrin burial customs. Dr. Martin Weber, an Assyriologist specializing in ancient Mesopotamian civilizations, explained that these graves provide valuable insight into religious beliefs and social structures of the time.

“We now have tangible evidence of how burial practices evolved across different periods in Ashur,” Weber noted. “The careful arrangement of skeletal remains and the presence of symbolic pottery suggest that spiritual traditions played a crucial role in death rituals, reaffirming Ashur’s significance as an Assyrian religious center.”

Beyond religious customs, Weber believes the find might also offer clues about population demographics, health conditions, and trade networks in Beth Nahrin. Chemical analysis of bone fragments could reveal dietary habits, while pottery styles might provide connections to distant trade routes.

Past excavations in Ashur have unearthed royal inscriptions, temple foundations, and administrative records that indicate the city’s prominence in the Middle and Neo-Assyrian periods. Scholars believe that Ashur’s strategic location allowed it to thrive as a cultural and military command center especially during its expansionist phase in the second millennium BCE.

However, Ashur’s legacy has faced threats both ancient and modern. The city saw multiple waves of destruction, first in 614 BCE, when the Medes and Babylonians sacked Assyrian strongholds, and later in the 21st century, when conflicts and neglect endangered its remaining structures. Preservation efforts have struggled to keep pace with both environmental and human-induced damage.

The latest discoveries have prompted UNESCO to visit the site, issuing a call for immediate restoration measures. The delegation highlighted the Ashur Ziggurat, an iconic temple structure that has suffered considerable damage due to earthquakes, seasonal flooding, and illegal excavations.

“This site holds invaluable cultural significance, and urgent intervention is needed to safeguard its legacy,” UNESCO officials stated during their visit.

Despite its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ashur has faced severe deterioration due to political instability, lack of funding, and extreme weather conditions. Archaeologists emphasize that restoring key structures, reinforcing vulnerable excavation areas, and implementing conservation protocols are essential steps to ensure the city’s survival.

While researchers continue their meticulous excavations, several challenges threaten the long-term preservation of Ashur’s historical treasures. Looting and unauthorized digging remain significant concerns, particularly in isolated regions with limited security oversight. Additionally, funding shortages and bureaucratic hurdles have hampered larger-scale restoration projects.

Dr. Weber warns that without sustained international cooperation, Ashur’s heritage could face irreversible damage. “The ongoing discoveries should serve as a wake-up call,” he said. “Protecting Ashur requires not only archaeological expertise but also strong governmental support and global heritage initiatives.”

Each new find strengthens the understanding of Ashur’s profound historical and cultural impact — an enduring testament to the legacy of the Assyrian civilization. The excavations not only help reconstruct the daily lives of its ancient inhabitants but also affirm Ashur’s place as a cornerstone of Mesopotamian history.