Palace From The Mittani Empire Uncovered Due To Drought

There isn't much known about the ancient Mittani Empire that stretched from the eastern Mediterranean to modern-day Iraq, Syria and Turkey but that seems to be changing fast. With the discovery of Kemune Palace in 2010, we might be closer to finding out more about its people and their famous horsemanship, and their administrative structures.

When it was first discovered at Mosul Dam&rsquos reservoir in Iraq, their was little scope of studying it. But now, with the receding waters and drought situations have given way for archaeologists to excavate the site. "Archaeologists launched a spontaneous rescue excavation of the ruins exposed by the ebbing waters. It was headed by Dr. Hasan Ahmed Qasim (Duhok) and Dr. Ivana Puljiz (T&uumlbingen), as a joint project between the University of T&uumlbingen and the Kurdistan Archaeology Organization (KAO) in cooperation with the Duhok Directorate of Antiquities. Kurdish archaeologist Hasan Ahmed Qasim explains its significance "The find is one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the region in recent decades and illustrates the success of the Kurdish-German cooperation." The project was largely financed by the KAO and its sponsor, Kurdisch businessman Hersh Isa Swar," according to a University of&nbspT&uumlbingen publication. 

In the 13th and 14th centuries, the mud-brick palace would have had a glorious terrace, with vibrant wall paintings in red and blue. Ten rooms of the palace have been excavated and cuneiform tablets and floor slabs have been found. Research indicates that this palace might be the ancient city of Zakhiku that lasted for over 400 years.

German archaeologists are translating the tablets in hopes of finding more information on the empire, and of life in Syria and Northern Mesopotamia. 

We can't wait to know more