• This picture taken on March 31, 2023 shows an aerial plan view of an ancient structure at the Umm al-Aqarib archaeological site, frequently buried by sandstorms due to desertification, in the district of al-Rifai in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province. - Iraqi archeological marvels that survived millennia and the ravages of war now face a modern threat: being blasted and buried by sandstorms linked to climate change. Many Babylonian treasures, painstakingly unearthed, are slowly disappearing again under wind-blown sand in a land parched by rising heat and prolonged droughts. (Photo by Asaad NIAZI / AFP)
    This picture taken on March 31, 2023 shows an aerial plan view of an ancient structure at the Umm al-Aqarib archaeological site, frequently buried by sandstorms due to desertification, in the district of al-Rifai in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province. - Iraqi archeological marvels that survived millennia and the ravages of war now face a modern threat: being blasted and buried by sandstorms linked to climate change. Many Babylonian treasures, painstakingly unearthed, are slowly disappearing again under wind-blown sand in a land parched by rising heat and prolonged droughts. (Photo by Asaad NIAZI / AFP)
  • Archaeologist Aqeel Mansarawi at the ancient site in the southern Dhi Qar province, which he says is now under threat from sandstorms linked to climate change
    Archaeologist Aqeel Mansarawi at the ancient site in the southern Dhi Qar province, which he says is now under threat from sandstorms linked to climate change
  • Some of the walls at the site have stood for millennia
    Some of the walls at the site have stood for millennia
  • Babylonian treasures have been painstakingly unearthed over decades by archaeologists
    Babylonian treasures have been painstakingly unearthed over decades by archaeologists
  • But the structures are frequently reburied by sandstorms
    But the structures are frequently reburied by sandstorms
  • The archaeology is also damaged by wind-blown sand in a land parched by rising heat and prolonged droughts
    The archaeology is also damaged by wind-blown sand in a land parched by rising heat and prolonged droughts
  • Mr Mansarawi inspects ancient masonry that is falling prey to the harsh conditions
    Mr Mansarawi inspects ancient masonry that is falling prey to the harsh conditions
  • Archaeological marvels that survived the ravages of war are again under threat
    Archaeological marvels that survived the ravages of war are again under threat
  • An ancient building that is disappearing into the sands
    An ancient building that is disappearing into the sands
  • Mr Mansarawi searches for the remains of a building claimed by the desert sands
    Mr Mansarawi searches for the remains of a building claimed by the desert sands

MENA

Sandstorms threaten Iraq's Umm Al Aqarib archaeological site - in pictures

Ancient structures in Dhi Qar province risk being eroded and buried

The National

April 23, 2023

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Updated: April 23, 2023, 12:28 PM
Iraq