A Remarkable Archaeological Find
A team of archaeologists from the Iraqi German Mission, in collaboration with the State Board of Antiquities and the Orient Department of the German Archaeological Institute, has made an extraordinary discovery: a fragile, yet remarkably preserved, 4000-year-old boat near the ancient city of Uruk.
The Historical Significance of Uruk
Uruk, also known as Warka, is one of the most significant cities in ancient Mesopotamia, located approximately 30 kilometers east of modern Samawah, Al-Muthannā, Iraq. Founded by King Enmerkar around 4500 BC, Uruk was the largest settlement in southern Mesopotamia and played a pivotal role in the early urbanization of Sumer. It remained a major population center until its abandonment shortly after the Islamic conquest in AD 633-638.
Discovery and Preservation Efforts
The boat was initially discovered during a study of the Uruk-Warka area in 2018, where it was documented using photogrammetry. Unfortunately, the delicate structure had already suffered from erosion and was at risk due to nearby traffic. Constructed from reeds, palm leaves, and wood, the boat was coated in bitumen—a waterproofing material derived from crude oil. While the organic materials have deteriorated over time, their imprints remain visible in the bitumen.
Measuring 7 meters in length and 1.4 meters in width, the archaeological context indicates that the boat sank on the banks of a river around 4000 years ago, eventually becoming buried under layers of sediment. During excavation, the top of the boat was reinforced with clay and plaster to stabilize it, allowing for its successful recovery.
Next Steps for the Ancient Vessel
In accordance with Iraq’s antiquities law, the Mesopotamian boat has been transported to the Iraqi Museum in Baghdad for scientific analysis and further conservation efforts. This remarkable find not only sheds light on the maritime history of ancient Mesopotamia but also underscores the importance of preserving our archaeological heritage.
