Major Archaeological Breakthrough in Iraq’s Western Desert

A team of archaeologists from the Free University of Brussels (VUB) has uncovered a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts in Iraq’s Western Desert. Among the findings are hand axes dating back 1.5 million years and seven previously unknown Paleolithic sites, all located within a 10-by-20-kilometer area.

Unveiling the Past: A Landmark Discovery

Leading the research is Ella Egberts from VUB, who conducted the fieldwork between November and December as part of a pilot project. The study aimed to analyze archaeological surface materials in the Al-Shabakah region, providing insights into the geomorphological history of the Iraqi Western Desert and assessing the preservation of Old and Middle Paleolithic artifacts.

Egberts described the campaign as a major success, stating, “Through targeted fieldwork, we identified seven Paleolithic sites in a relatively small area. One of these locations was selected for a systematic study to determine how artifacts were distributed and to conduct preliminary technological and typological analyses.”

A Window into Early Human Activity

The research focused on an area that once contained a vast lake during the Pleistocene epoch. Today, the landscape is dominated by dry riverbeds known as wadis. Over 850 artifacts were collected, ranging from early hand axes from the Old Paleolithic period to Levallois flakes from the Middle Paleolithic. These findings offer valuable clues about early human settlement and adaptation to changing environments.

Egberts emphasized that other sites in the region also warrant in-depth exploration, which could yield similar quantities of lithic materials. Expanding the study across a larger area will help reconstruct the movement and behaviors of early humans in the region.

Advancing Knowledge Through Education and Collaboration

Beyond artifact collection, the project included a strong educational component. Iraqi archaeology students were trained in geo-archaeology and Paleolithic archaeology, gaining hands-on experience in the field. Three students actively participated in excavations, and a post-fieldwork workshop at Al-Qadisiyah University engaged more students and scholars in discussions about Iraq’s prehistoric past.

The findings were presented at a conference in Karbala to a multidisciplinary academic audience. Additionally, the research team introduced their discoveries to the general public and media at the Writers’ Union in Najaf. Local elementary school children also had the opportunity to learn about prehistoric flint tools, sparking curiosity about Iraq’s deep history.

Smooth Operations in a Challenging Environment

Despite Iraq’s reputation as a challenging region for research, Egberts reported that the expedition proceeded more smoothly than anticipated. While checkpoints were present, they did not significantly hinder the team’s progress.

“The Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage values our work and has encouraged us to continue our research,” she noted.

Future Research and Expanding the Study

Egberts plans to continue her work at VUB, with the next step focused on securing funding. The goal is to reconstruct environmental changes during the Pleistocene and further investigate early human presence and behavior in the Western Desert.

The project was made possible through funding from the British Institute for the Study of Iraq, awarded due to Egberts’ honorary fellowship at the University of Leicester in the UK. This collaboration not only enhances understanding of human evolution but also strengthens international efforts in preserving and studying Iraq’s rich archaeological heritage.

The discoveries mark a significant step in uncovering the prehistoric past of Iraq, shedding light on human history in one of the world’s most archaeologically rich yet underexplored regions.