A Salvage Archaeological Excavation at the Sasanian Site of Gatwa-sûr (Erbil Province, Kurdistan Region of Iraq) : A Newly Discovered Early Christian Burial in the Mountains of Soran
Garcia Ramis, Francisco Javier (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Prehistòria)
Domínguez Gluitz, Alicia María (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Prehistòria)
Soliman, Abdulwahab dir. (Antiquities of Soran Soran Erbil Iraq)
Zebari, Aziz (Salahaddin University Erbil Iraq)
Bach Gómez, Anna 1977- (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Prehistòria)
Molist, Miquel 1956- (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Prehistòria)

Date:	2025
Description:	23 pàg.
Abstract:	The excavation of the site of Gatwa-sûr in the Zagros region of the Kurdistan region of Iraq has provided valuable insights into Early Christian burial practices in Northern Iraq during the Sasanian period. The discovery of an earthenware coffin adorned with symbols that highlight the presence of Christian oriented groups in the region provides new data on burial customs under Sasanian rule. This archaeological evidence strengthens our knowledge of the coexistence of different religious faiths within the Sasanian Empire. Despite the challenges posed by repeated disturbances to the burial site over ancient and modern times, the recovered skeletal remains offer crucial evidence for understanding the health, lifestyle, and demographic profile of individuals during this era. Anthropological analysis revealed common ailments such as tooth loss, degenerative osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and infectious periostitis. Additionally, the presence of enthesopathies suggests engagement in strenuous physical activities, likely related to agricultural or manual labor. The interdisciplinary approach, involving archaeologists, residents, and media, has raised awareness about the importance of protecting archaeological sites and fostering community engagement in research endeavors. Overall, the Gatwa-sûr excavation contributes significantly to our understanding of religious, cultural, and social dynamics in the Kurdistan region of Iraq in Late Antiquity, emphasizing the need for further exploration and preservation efforts in the region.
Grants:	Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación PID2022-139164NB-C21 Generalitat de Catalunya 2021 SGR 00744 Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades FPU20/03612
Rights:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, fins i tot amb finalitats comercials, sempre i quan es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada
Subject:	Church of the East ; Early Christianity ; Kurdistan region of Iraq ; Sasanian Empire
Published in:	Iraq, Vol. 87 (2025) , p. 1-23, art. First View, ISSN 2053-4744

DOI: 10.1017/irq.2025.10036

23 p, 1.7 MB

The record appears in these collections:
Research literature > UAB research groups literature > Research Centres and Groups (research output) > Arts and Humanities > Grupo de Investigación Arqueológica del Mediterráneo y del Próximo Oriente (GRAMPO)
Articles > Research articles
Articles > Published articles