Erbil Citadel
Artefacts from Mitanni, Hulegu Khan periods unearthed
ERBIL – Recent excavations at Erbil Citadel have uncovered historical artifacts tracing back to the Mitanni and Hulegu Khan periods.
The French Institute for the Near East, from its office at Erbil Citadel, carried out the excavation and analysis in collaboration with the Directorate of Antiquities of Erbil Citadel for over six weeks last year. Further excavations are scheduled to resume in April.
Hezha Zahir, head of the archaeological department at Erbil Citadel, told 964media, “During the excavation, we found several significant historical items, including a cuneiform inscription, the first of its kind in the Erbil area, dating back to the Mitanni period. The inscription reads ‘Son of the Lady.’”
A coin from the Hulegu Khan period, specifically marked for Erbil, was also discovered.
The artifacts were found at depths of five meters below the lower parts and three meters below the surface of the citadel. Plans are in place to establish an electronic museum for these artifacts at Erbil Citadel.
The Erbil Citadel, located in the center of Erbil city, spans 102,190 square meters and rises to a height of 30 meters at its highest point.