7th-century military site uncovered in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A joint Iraqi-British archaeological team announced on Sunday the discovery of a 7th-century military site in the central Iraqi province of Najaf.

Hamid al-Yasiri, dean of the College of Archaeology at the University of Kufa in Iraq, told the official Iraqi News Agency that the discovered site includes "a fortress and clearly defined defensive walls."

The head of the British mission from Durham University, Christine Hooper, said the joint research team used "advanced methods to uncover the site dating back to the Battle of al-Qadisiyah (636-637 AD)."

The Battle of al-Qadisiyah marked a decisive Muslim victory over the Sassanian Empire, which was fought on the plains between what are now the Najaf and al-Qadisiyah provinces. The battle shattered Persian power and permanently reshaped the region's geopolitical landscape.

According to archaeological expert Ibrahim al-Jubouri, the site is of significant archaeological value. "This important discovery will provide us with details about the military methods, equipment, and defense strategies used by the Islamic army," he told Xinhua. Enditem