[News & Analysis] Archaeology: Kurdistan Offers an Open Window on the Ancient Fertile Crescent

This week, archaeologists from around the world will gather in Erbil to discuss what they are already learning about the long history of the city—and the promising future for archaeological research in surrounding Iraqi Kurdistan. Even as nearby countries such as Syria and Turkey curtail archaeological efforts, this area within Iraq—once off-limits—has begun welcoming outside scientists eager to probe its past. At the meeting, for example, several groups will describe how landscape surveys and digs are already painting a new picture of the Assyrian empire. Their findings suggest that northern Iraq, once the core of the Assyrian empire, had a dense population and an elaborate infrastructure, likely constructed by conquered populations resettled there. Author: Andrew Curry
Source: Science: This Week - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Archaeology Source Type: research