Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery at an ancient settlement near Erbil, shedding light on thousands of years of human occupation. Remarkably, an earthquake long ago helped preserve the site, leaving behind a treasure trove of artifacts from different eras.
The site, called Gird-i Matrab, sits about 30 kilometers south of Erbil. It consists of seven mounds, with six surrounding a central one. Researchers first identified the ancient settlement near Erbil in 2012 during a regional survey. Since then, excavations have revealed continuous habitation from 5000 BCE to the Parthian era.
In 2021, archaeologists used geophysical surveys to explore one mound. They uncovered a Hellenistic-era complex dating back to 350–280 BCE. Inside, they found well-preserved mudbrick structures with stone foundations. Additionally, they discovered a kitchen, storage rooms, and service areas connected to a courtyard.
The courtyard contained two intact kilns and a clay oven. Beneath its floor, researchers made a touching find—a child’s burial inside a jar. This type of burial, called enchytrismòs, was a common practice in ancient times.
In 2023, excavations on another mound revealed even older layers of history. Researchers uncovered a Late Chalcolithic settlement from around 4000 BCE. They found houses made of mudbricks, cooking hearths, and pottery kilns.
Inside one large house, a storeroom held stone tools, knives, and jars. The earliest phase of the ancient settlement near Erbil dates back to the mid-5th millennium BCE. Evidence suggests a violent destruction, possibly due to conflict, as clay bullets were found scattered around.
After its early destruction, the site was abandoned for centuries. However, people returned during the Iron Age. Later, the settlement expanded significantly under Seleucid and Parthian rule, growing to about 25 hectares.
Nader Babakr, Director-General of Antiquities in Erbil, emphasized the importance of these findings. He stated that uncovering such sites helps piece together Kurdistan’s rich history. After excavation, specialists carefully restore and catalog all artifacts for historical records.
Gird-i Matrab is just one of over 1,200 registered archaeological sites in the Erbil Plain. Each discovery adds another chapter to the region’s long and fascinating past. The ancient settlement near Erbilcontinues to amaze researchers, offering new insights into the lives of its ancient inhabitants.
With ongoing excavations, who knows what other secrets this remarkable site may reveal? One thing is certain—the ancient settlement near Erbil holds countless stories waiting to be told.