Discovery of Ancient City Founded by Alexander the Great

Archaeologists have recently pinpointed the location of a long-forgotten city established by Alexander the Great, which once served as a bustling trade hub but had been concealed for ages.

Known as Alexandria on the Tigris River, this ancient city is situated close to the Persian Gulf in southern Iraq. Founded in the 4th century BC, it acted as a vital port connecting trade routes from India to both Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean region. However, after the 3rd century AD, changes in the Tigris River’s course led to its obscurity.

In recent years, researchers have been utilizing drone imagery and advanced geophysical scans to map out the city’s structure, including its walls, streets, and blocks. The excavation efforts at the site date back to the 2010s, during the period when ISIS was in control of Iraq. Yet, it is only now that the true extent of this lost city has come to light.

The University of Konstanz in Germany stated in a press release on January 28 that excavators are conducting surface surveys under tight military oversight.

Researchers have discovered various features, such as temple complexes, workshops with kilns, and remnants of the city’s port and canal system. Stefan R. Hauser, an archaeology professor at the University of Konstanz, mentioned that despite facing instances of flooding, the city has been remarkably preserved.

Hauser noted that, like its more famous namesake in Egypt, Alexandria on the Tigris was strategically founded where a river meets the sea, addressing the trade needs of southern Mesopotamia during that period.

He remarked that Alexander the Great personally selected this location in 324 BC, referencing the writings of Pliny the Elder, who based his accounts on earlier sources.

In an interesting observation, Hauser expressed surprise at finding the city spanned about 2.5 square miles, declaring it “huge for an ancient city.” He further stated, “The block’s size is extraordinary,” suggesting that it even surpassed major urban centers of that time, such as Seleucia and Alexandria on the Nile.

While the research began in 2016, led by British archaeologists Jane Moon, Robert Killick, and Stuart Campbell, operating in such extreme summer temperatures—often exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit—has posed challenges. The region’s air pollution adds another layer of difficulty.

Now, the research team plans to delve into the various districts of the city, examining workshops and kilns, although this is contingent on securing additional funding.

Hauser also highlighted that this site presents an exceptional opportunity to explore the Parthian Empire, which governed the area long after Alexander’s reign. He pointed out the challenge of finding comprehensive resources on its history, structure, and culture.

He concluded by stating that the site remains untapped for modern construction, positioning it as a prime candidate for research in urban planning and archaeological studies.