Iraqi authorities retrieve 75 Babylonian artifacts after heavy rain, flood

At least 75 different antiquities and artifacts from the ancient ruins of Babylon, south of Baghdad, were retrieved after being swept away by torrential rain last week.

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Iraqi Archaeological Protection Police on Friday said they had retrieved at least 75 different antiquities and artifacts from the ancient ruins of Babylon, south of Baghdad, which were swept away by torrential rain last week.

Some of the artifacts were found in different places, but the majority of them were discovered near the shrine of Prophet Abraham, authorities said.

The retrieved artifacts included metal pieces, pottery vessels, and clay tablets which were washed away by heavy rainfall last week.

In an official statement, the archaeological police noted that “all the artifacts were handed over to the Department of Antiquities,” the relevant authority on archaeological materials.

A photo of the retrieved artifacts belonging to the ancient ruins of Babylon. (Photo: Iraqi Archaeological Protection Police)
A photo of the retrieved artifacts belonging to the ancient ruins of Babylon. (Photo: Iraqi Archaeological Protection Police)

Heavy rain last week caused flooding in many areas of Iraq’s capital as municipal authorities attempted to control the situation by draining water and adopting other measures.

When rainfall increases in the winter months, streets in Baghdad and many other Iraqi provinces often face flooding due to poor efficiency of city sewage systems, made worse by years of neglected maintenance.

Over the past years, many ancient artifacts have been retrieved after being washed away following heavy rainfall.

Authorities guard the artificats which were retrieved following heavy rainfall last week. (Photo: Iraqi Archaeological Protection Police)
Authorities guard the artificats which were retrieved following heavy rainfall last week. (Photo: Iraqi Archaeological Protection Police)

The ruins of the ancient city of Babylon is located 90 kilometers (55 miles) south of modern-day Baghdad and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Iraq.

The ancient city was once the capital of the historical Babylonian Kingdom.

Babylon city has many archaeological sites, including the Hanging Garden of Babylon, the Lion of Babylon, the Ishtar Gate, and the Tower of Bebel among others.