The massacre of Mesopotamian archaeology

[indigobusiness]

Looting in Iraq is out of control



NASIRIYA, Iraq: In the southern Iraq desert, the standing structures of ancient archaeological cities dot the horizon - majestic monuments to times long gone. Untouched for thousands of years, historic temples, palaces, tombs and entire dead cities are the sole witness of the passing of time.

Properly excavated, these cities could reveal valuable knowledge on the development of the human race and resolve the big mysteries of history. Unfortunately, this is unlikely to happen. The Sumerian cities have been destroyed, ravaged by the incessant looting that started with the American invasion of Iraq. Once considered historical treasures, today crater-filled landscapes compete for space with hills of shredded pottery and broken bricks.

Looters - mainly farmers or jobless Iraqis of all ages - have destroyed the monuments of their own ancestors, erasing their own history in their tireless search for artifacts.

They leave their homes and villages seeking financial rewards. Poverty, ignorance and greed force them to change their lives and become tomb raiders - and they actually live on the sites they are robbing for months at a time. A cylinder seal, a sculpture or a cuneiform tablet can bring in desperately sought hard cash. They work all day long hoping to find an artifact that they can sell to the dealer for a mere few dollars. It is tough, dangerous work for bad pay.

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http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=4&article_id=8536

[gumby]

1. This is really grotesque.

And I keep hearing Rummy's voice cynically snarling asking about how many times you can see that same vase being stolen on the teevee.

The Bushevicks REALLY ARE about the destruction of humanity.

[Rowdyboy]

2. What an incredibly sad story...

Thanks so much for posting it...it needs to be said

[indigobusiness]

4. You're welcome. The true cost of this war is beyond comprehension.

So much more to the picture than the muddy version Bushco wants you to see.

We will pay for this in incalculable ways.

[Southpaw Bookworm]

3. But the OIL MINISTRY was well-guarded

And we all know how important that is . . .

:eyes: