2,800-Year-Old Stone Tablet Returns to Iraq After Italy’s Repatriation Efforts

A stone tablet dating back 2,800 years has been put on display in Iraq after being returned by Italy.

The artifact, which features complete cuneiform text—a writing system used in ancient Babylon—was believed to have been discovered during archaeological excavations of the Mosul dam approximately 40 years ago.

The tablet bears the insignia of Shalmaneser III, an Assyrian king who reigned over the region of Nimrod, located in present-day northern Iraq, from 858 to 823 BC.

The circumstances that led to the tablet ending up in Italy, where it was seized by authorities in the 1980s, remain unclear.

Iraq’s Efforts to Recover Cultural Heritage

Iraq, often referred to as the “cradle of civilization,” is actively working to repatriate its archaeological treasures from abroad.

President Abdul Latif Rashid praised Italy for its cooperation in returning the stone tablet and expressed his commitment to retrieving all of Iraq’s historical artifacts held overseas.

The president stated that the goal is to transform the national Iraq Museum into one of the world’s finest museums.

Impact of Looting and Efforts for Recovery

Following the US-led invasion of Iraq 20 years ago, the looting of the country’s antiquities significantly increased.

In a separate incident in May, New York prosecutor Alvin Bragg announced the repatriation of two ancient sculptures to Iraq: a limestone Mesopotamian elephant and an alabaster Sumerian bull from the old city of Uruk.

These figurines, which had been stolen during the Gulf War, were smuggled into New York in the late 1990s.

The return of these cultural artifacts demonstrates ongoing efforts to combat illicit trafficking and safeguard Iraq’s rich heritage.

Iraq’s Determination to Preserve its Cultural Legacy

Iraq’s focus on recovering its cultural heritage reflects the nation’s determination to protect and preserve its history.

The return of the ancient stone tablet and other repatriated artifacts contributes to the efforts of restoring Iraq’s cultural legacy and enhancing its cultural institutions.

By securing the return of these valuable pieces, Iraq aims to establish the Iraq Museum as one of the world’s premier destinations for showcasing its remarkable historical and archaeological treasures.