The British Museum Membercast
0102 Inside the Iraq scheme and Girsu project
May 17, 2023
Sébastien Rey, a curator at the British Museum and Mesopotamian archaeology expert, teams up with Rana Zuhair to discuss a vital initiative empowering Iraqi archaeologists amid cultural heritage challenges. They delve into thrilling excavations at the ancient temple of Ninyusu and the vital work at Girsu, revealing the emotional toll of cultural destruction. The duo also explores the history of writing, the significance of ancient inscriptions, and the complexities of translating Sumerian cuneiform, highlighting the importance of representation in archaeology.
37:35
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Quick takeaways
- The British Museum's initiative focuses on training Iraqi archaeologists to address post-conflict challenges to the nation's cultural heritage.
- Rana Zuhair's experience in the program highlights the empowerment of women in archaeology and the importance of community support in a male-dominated field.
Deep dives
Excavating the Temple of Ninyusu
Excavators discovered significant mud brick walls while searching for an ancient temple in Mesopotamia, specifically the Temple of Ninyusu. This discovery was confirmed through inscriptions found on a stone marking the threshold leading into the inner sanctum of the temple. Although the actual statue of the god was not found, the podium intended for it was clearly identified. The excavation process was notably marked by coincidental thunder and sandstorms, which added a peculiar layer of serendipity to the team's findings.
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