Saving ancient Sumerian history from piles of dirt
The British Museum is currently working in Southern Iraq to rescue lost treasures. This video explores how archaeologists are searching through massive mounds of debris left by excavations from over eighty years ago to recover endangered cuneiform tablets.
The Girsu Project focuses on a unique archaeological challenge: excavating spoil heaps rather than the ancient city of Girsu itself. These large piles of earth, left behind by French archaeologists more than eight decades ago, contain numerous abandoned objects and cuneiform tablets. Because these mounds are eroding, the artifacts within them are at risk of being lost permanently.
This mission is a collaborative effort to protect vulnerable heritage. The project is a joint venture between the British Museum, the J. Paul Getty Trust, and Iraq's State Board of Antiquities and Heritage.
Source: Excavating Cuneiform Tablets in Iraq with the Girsu Project | Curator's Corner S8 Ep3
