The Directorate of Antiquities and Heritage in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, announced on Wednesday the discovery of an archaeological burial site in the city center dating back approximately 14 centuries.
A statement issued by the directorate said that the burial site was discovered in the Baghlu Manara neighborhood during the implementation of a service project in the area. The site contains more than 100 human skulls along with various archaeological artifacts.
The statement explained that a joint local archaeological team from the General Directorate of Antiquities and the Erbil Directorate of Antiquities began excavation work at the newly discovered site in recent days. Initial estimates indicate that the site dates back roughly 1,400 years.
According to the statement, the remains of more than 100 human skulls have been uncovered so far, in addition to a collection of coins and silver currency, two bronze anklets, two pearl beads (necklaces), an iron bracelet, and four pieces of pottery vessels (jugs) buried with the bodies.
The statement added that, in order to determine the historical and scientific facts, DNA samples have been sent to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior for precise laboratory examinations.
The site is located near one of the streets in the Baghlu Manara neighborhood, where workers noticed a number of human skulls while carrying out construction work and immediately informed the relevant authorities. Following inspection and excavation operations, it was confirmed that the location represents an important historical site containing archaeological items reflecting an ancient period in the region.
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