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Ancient Port of Alexandria on the Tigris Rediscovered
13 Mar
Summary
- Lost city of Alexandria on the Tigris found near Persian Gulf.
- Founded in 4th century B.C. as a major trade hub.
- City is 2.5 square miles, surprisingly well-preserved.
Archaeologists have officially located Alexandria on the Tigris, a significant ancient city founded by Alexander the Great in 324 B.C. Situated near the Persian Gulf, this once-thriving port served as a crucial nexus for trade connecting India with Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean world.
The city, which fell into obscurity around the third century A.D. due to shifts in the Tigris River's course, has been rediscovered through extensive mapping and geophysical surveys. Researchers have identified its fortification walls, street grids, and city blocks, uncovering temple complexes, workshops, and the remnants of its harbor and canal system.
Remarkably well-preserved despite centuries of potential flooding, the 2.5-square-mile city is exceptionally large for its time. Its city blocks even surpass those found in major capitals like Seleucia on the Tigris or Alexandria on the Nile. This discovery offers a unique opportunity to study the under-researched Parthian Empire.
Excavations, which began in 2016, faced challenges including extreme summer temperatures and air pollution. Future research, pending funding, aims to further investigate the city's residential areas and industrial workshops.
