Archaeologists find ancient mosque in Israel

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiques Authority (IAA) have discovered an ancient mosque in the Negev desert near the city of Rahat in the Southern District of Israel.

Image Credit : IAA

Excavations were part of a state-funded project through the Negev Bedouin Development and Settlement Authority, which is building a new neighbourhood in the Bedouin city.

The site dates from 1200-years-ago and represents one of the earliest mosques in the region, a period when a transition was made from Christian to Muslim rule. The mosque contains a square room and a wall facing towards the direction of Mecca, with a half-circle niche that points south.

3400-year-old sunken city emerges from the Tigris River

A team of German and Kurdish archaeologists have excavated a 3400-year-old Mittani Empire-era city that has emerged in the Tigris River.

Image Credit : University of Freiburg

The settlement was previously submerged with the construction of the Mosul reservoir, but has since re-emerged due to lower water levels caused by extreme drought.

The city, located in present-day Kemune in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has a palace and several large buildings that could be the ancient city of Zakhiku – an important centre in the Mittani Empire (1550-1350 BC).