“Ancient Civilization … Broken to Pieces”

Iraq is dotted with archaeological sites containing the remains of Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Islamic and other civilizations. The sites have long been subject to theft, but with chaos following the 2003 invasion, sites and museums were openly plundered. Sold on global markets are “coins, jewelry and fragile clay tablets etched in wedge-like cuneiform script, recording myths, decrees, business transactions and other details of Mesopotamian life,” reports Alexandra Zavis for the Los Angles Times. About one third of the National Museum’s looted artifacts have since been returned and stored away for safekeeping, and guards now monitor the most famous archaeological sites. But with more than 12,000 sites in all, most go unsupervised, and rewards for returning the artifacts could spur more thefts. Iraq cannot prove ownership of many pieces, and can only hope for some integrity in the global marketplace. Together, the remains from any site offer rich insights into ancient life. Separated and sold, the artifacts become mere souvenirs on a shelf, their history forever erased. – YaleGlobal