Sites Under Threat 2010 - Ashur - Iraq - Archaeology Magazine Archive

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(Courtesy Diane Siebrandt)

A section of the Assyrian capital of Ashur in central Iraq is gradually eroding into the Tigris River. Dating to 2500 B.C., the site, now known as Qalah Sharqat, or "Earthern Castle," was partially excavated in the early twentieth century. But since then no significant archaeological work has been done on this important Mesopotamian city. Press reports indicate local antiquities officials are trying to raise funds to build a wall to protect the site from the river.

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