Ancient archaeological city found under Iraqi lake

KARBALA / IraqiNews.com – A group of Iraqi archaeologists have found an ancient archaeological city, drowned under the waters of southwest Iraq ’s al-Razzaza Lake , dating back to the pre-Islam era, the Chairman of the Tourism & Archaeology Committee in Karbala Province said on Wednesday.   “The Archaeologists, representing the Tourism & Archaeology Directorate and our Committee have carried out excavations in al-Razzaza Lake, exposed for drying recently, where they found traces of the said ancient city, which was addressed as “the House of Men of Wisdom” during the early Islamic era, Dr. Iftikhar Abbas told IraqiNews.com news agency.   Dr. Iftikhar said the ancient city included a long fence, houses, archaeological hills, as well as ancient antiques, dating back to the Aramean Period of Misopotamia, 200 years BC.   Noteworthy is that the western side of Karbala city comprises several archaeological and historic positions, including the most ancient Christian Church in the Middle East and other historic remnants, among them the Muqida Minarette, al-Ukheidher Palace, Shamoun Palace and other ancient positions.   Karbala , the center of the province carrying the same name, is 108 kms to the south of Baghdad .   IT / SKH   635