Parthian tomb in Iraq
We are more used to tales from Iraq of looting by locals or vandalism by Americans, so it is refreshing to be able to report a startling discovery by Iraqi archaeologists. The location of this discovery is still a closely guarded secret - probably to keep local looters away but possibly to prevent the Americans coming and establishing a military base on top of the site.
The discovery is a large Parthian tomb, some 306 square metres in area and so far including several different levels connected by staircases. Among the 216 artefacts found so far are pottery and glass vessels - all in good condition - gold jewellery and precious stones. These objects, along with the architecture of the grave, have led to speculation that this may be a royal burial.
The Parthians ruled from 247 BC to AD 224 and were in control of Mesopotamia for over three centuries. It is unlikely that this is the tomb of a Parthian king, but a Parthian prince or princess is quite possible. So far the team working on the tomb have not found a body, but excavation is continuing.
Meanwhile the acting head of the Iraqi Antiquities Department, Qais Hassan, is preening himself. “This is not the first time the pick-axes of foreign and Iraq scientists strike Parthian treasures, but this time Iraqi pick-axes have brought to light the largest and the finest Parthian grave which has astonished and surprised us.”
Some may be concerned over talk of pick-axes in connection with what is clearly a sensitive excavation, but I assume that Mr Hassan is talking metaphorically. We trust that the excavation proceeds smoothly and that we can soon bring you further news and photographs of a significant discovery.
Meanwhile Iraqi diplomats in Germany managed to halt the sale of 28 artefacts suspected to have been looted after the second Gulf War and smuggled out of the country. The embassy is planning to launch a lawsuit to have the objects returned to Iraq and they have been encouraged by success in a recent case regarding a 4,500 year old gold object that has now been returned to the Baghdad Museum.
The Iraqis claim that Germany is not doing enough to crack down on sales of objects looted from Iraq. While I totally agree that looting is bad and the best way to discourage it is to stop the sale of looted objects, it is easy to understand why the Germany authorities might be tempted to turn a blind eye. The future of Iraq is still uncertain and it is clear that the Iraqi public is not to be trusted with historical artefacts. With the possibility of further anarchy in Iraq or, even worse, a fanatical Muslim government, one way to ensure the safety of Iraq's heritage is to get it out of the country and into a place of safety as soon as possible.
© Kendall K. Down 2009
