Tell Bazmusian, Archaeological mound in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Iraq.
Tell Bazmusian is an archaeological mound in Sulaymaniyah Governorate that rises 23 meters above ground and spans roughly 1500 meters in circumference. The site sits on the right bank of the Lower Zab River and now lies submerged beneath Lake Dukan.
Iraqi archaeologists conducted major excavations from 1956 to 1958 and uncovered 16 distinct layers of human settlement. These layers extend back to approximately 6000 BCE, documenting a long history of occupation at the site.
The site contains temple remains with thick mudbrick walls and clay tablets that reveal how people in this region built and worshipped. These artifacts provide insight into the daily life and beliefs of ancient inhabitants.
The site is now inaccessible under Lake Dukan's waters and would require specialized diving equipment for any direct visit. For those interested in archaeology, visiting nearby museums is a more practical way to see the artifacts recovered from the location.
One of the most notable discoveries was an ornate pottery incense burner depicting a wild goat standing on top of a two-story house model. This artifact dates to the mid-second millennium BCE and reveals the artistic creativity of ancient craftspeople.
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