Ancient Iraq: Queen Puabi's amusing tomb

CAIRO – 31 January 2018: Through history, the lands of Mesopotamia witnessed several civilizations like the civilizations of the Sumerian and Akkadian empires.

Mainly, people of Sumer lived in the southern lands of Mesopotamia due to its location between Euphrates and Tigris; it is one of the earliest civilizations and human settlements in history, according to "Civilization of Ancient Iraq" by author and researcher Benjamin R. Foster and art archaeology specialist Karen Polinger Foster.

The people of Sumer established great cities and tombs such as the city of Ur that attracted archaeologists who headed massive excavation works to reveal its secrets, according to author and researcher Beth Gruber in her book " Ancient Iraq: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of Iraq's Past."

British archaeologist Leonardo Wolley unearthed one of the greatest tombs in Ur site, Queen Puabi or Queen Shubad's tomb, which is considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the 20th century.

Although researchers couldn't find any information about the queen in her tomb, the tomb was kept in a very good condition, with all its treasures preserved just like Tutankhamen's tomb in Egypt.

Puabi's body and dozens of other skeletons were found in the tomb; ten of the skeletons are for Puabi's servants, and five are for soldiers.


A Harp found in Queen Puabi's tomb – Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

Traditionally, servants, musicians, and soldiers were buried in the tombs of kings and queens to accompany them through the afterlife.

Puabi's body carried rings of gold, heavy earrings, and necklaces; more jewelry was placed on a table bedside the Queen, including a headgear and necklaces made of gold, silver, blue lapis lazuli and gemstones.