A Sumerian palace discovered recently in modern-day Iraq dates back 4,500 years and is considered to contain the key to understanding one of the first civilizations in human history.
Since 2015, a team of British Museum-affiliated archaeologists has been excavating the site formerly known as Tello, where the ancient city of Girsu once stood, in the southern plains of Iraq.
Ancient Sumerians are often recognised for laying the groundwork for modern civilisation, and recent excavations in Girsu have brought Mesopotamian archaeology to the cusp of this period. Between 3,500 and 2,000 B.C.E., the Sumerians are widely credited with developing the first written language and enacting the first written legal code.
Their contributions to and achievements in the arts, religion, science, mathematics, architecture, and social organisation provided a foundation for other civilisations to be built in the fertile area of Mesopotamia and the surrounding area.
Recent digging at this major archaeological site has shown that it was left untouched for almost a century until researchers from the British Museum arrived.
As more than 100,000 cuneiform tablets had been taken during numerous excavations at Girsu following its first discovery in 1877 by French archaeologist Ernest de Sarzec, it was unclear whether or not the site had any other significant artifacts. The region’s constant conflict during the 20th century also contributed to the general public staying away.
Despite this, the goal of discovering Girsu’s central and primary buildings has been reached. New opportunities presented themselves to Girsu archaeologists with the advent of aerial survey equipment.
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