Sumerian 'tavern' uncovered in ancient city of Lagash - in pictures

  • An aerial picture of a newly-excavated trench at the site of the ancient city-state of Lagash in Iraq. Archaeologists have found a Sumerian 'tavern' nearly 5,000 years old, complete with benches, a cooling system acting as a refrigerator and bowls containing leftover food. All photos: AFP
    An aerial picture of a newly-excavated trench at the site of the ancient city-state of Lagash in Iraq. Archaeologists have found a Sumerian 'tavern' nearly 5,000 years old, complete with benches, a cooling system acting as a refrigerator and bowls containing leftover food. All photos: AFP
  • A clay kiln at the newly-excavated trench
    A clay kiln at the newly-excavated trench
  • Another image of the site in Iraq's Al-Shatra district of the southern Dhi Qar province
    Another image of the site in Iraq's Al-Shatra district of the southern Dhi Qar province
  • A clay tablet bearing fingerprints
    A clay tablet bearing fingerprints
  • Pottery fragments
    Pottery fragments
  • The site in Lagash
    The site in Lagash
  • A broken pottery jar
    A broken pottery jar
  • A drainage pipe made of clay found at the site
    A drainage pipe made of clay found at the site
  • Iraqi archaeologist Baqer Azab Wali standing by the newly-excavated trench at the site
    Iraqi archaeologist Baqer Azab Wali standing by the newly-excavated trench at the site