British-Iraqi Team Uncovers Likely Site of Historic Battle in Iraq Using Cold War Satellite Imagery
In a significant breakthrough, a British-Iraqi archaeological team has likely identified the site of the historic Battle of al-Qadisiyah in Iraq, thanks to declassified Cold War satellite imagery. This seventh-century battle, fought between Arab Muslims and the Sassanid Persian dynasty, played a decisive role in the spread of Islam across the region. The team, from the UK’s Durham University and Iraq’s University of Al-Qadisiyah, stumbled upon the site during a remote sensing survey intended to map the Darb Zubaydah pilgrimage route, which connects Iraq’s Kufa to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
While reviewing 1970s-era satellite images, archaeologists noticed key features near Kufa in Iraq’s Najaf province that matched historical descriptions of the battlefield. These satellite images offered a clearer view than current maps, revealing distinct features like trenches, fortresses, and ancient riverbeds that are otherwise obscured by modern developments. “The Middle East has changed significantly over the last 50 years,” said William Deadman, an archaeological remote sensing specialist from Durham University, “making older images valuable for identifying historical sites that have since been altered.”
Key Findings and On-the-Ground Survey
After identifying the site, the team conducted a ground survey, which further supported their hypothesis. Key discoveries included a deep trench, two fortresses, and an ancient riverbed once reportedly crossed by elephant-mounted Persian troops during the battle. Additionally, pottery fragments consistent with the era of the battle were uncovered, strengthening the site’s authenticity. Professor Jaafar Jotheri from the University of Al-Qadisiyah noted that these finds correspond with historical records and cultural narratives familiar to many Iraqis who learned about the battle during Saddam Hussein’s rule.
The Significance of the Battle of al-Qadisiyah
The Battle of al-Qadisiyah holds political and historical weight in Iraq. Under Saddam Hussein’s regime, the battle was frequently referenced as a symbol of Iraq’s resistance, particularly during the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s. For many Iraqis, memories of the battle are shaped by popular media from the period, such as a frequently aired movie portraying the conflict. In recent years, interpretations of the battle have evolved, reflecting Iraq’s complex relationship with Iran. Professor Jotheri highlighted how modern perspectives on the battle vary, but acknowledged, “We all agree that it is a very important battle, a decisive one, and we all know about it.”
A New Era for Archaeology in Iraq
This discovery is part of a larger initiative launched in 2015 to document and protect endangered archaeological sites across Iraq. After decades of halted excavations and widespread looting of artifacts, Iraq is experiencing a revival in archaeological exploration. Thousands of stolen artifacts have been repatriated, and ongoing digs are uncovering remnants of Iraq’s rich cultural history. The excavation at the al-Qadisiyah site is set to begin next year, marking another chapter in the resurgence of archaeology in the “cradle of civilisation.”
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