Features January 1, 2011
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.
Digs & Discoveries July/August 2025
Features July/August 2024
Archaeologists return to Nineveh in northern Iraq, one of the ancient world’s grandest imperial capitals
Digs & Discoveries September/October 2026
Dozens of birds gifted to medieval Abbasid caliphs were likely imported from Iceland
Features November/December 2026
How diverse and far-flung Iron Age chiefdoms united to challenge the Assyrian Empire
Features November/December 2026
Life behind the scenes in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings
Features November/December 2026
In Denmark, archaeologists have discovered a massive factory that equipped an innovative fleet
Features November/December 2026
Did artists 12,000 years ago illuminate a cave in Tajikistan with their vision of the Milky Way?
Features November/December 2026
New discoveries challenge ancient prophecies about the peoples living on China’s borders three millennia ago
