Archaeologists have successfully pinpointed the site of the historic Battle of al-Qadisiyyah, which occurred in 636 or 637 AD, through a combination of historical documents and declassified US spy satellite imagery. This collaborative effort involved researchers from Durham University in the UK and the University of Al-Qadisiyah in Iraq, who released their findings in a statement on Monday.
This battle was notable for the victory it secured for Arab Muslims, allowing their expansion beyond Arabia. However, the exact location of the battle had remained elusive until now. The team of researchers initially focused on mapping the Darb Zubaydah pilgrimage route from Kufa in Iraq to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. During this process, they realized they could also use the same historical texts and satellite images to identify the battle site.
William Deadman, an expert in archaeological remote sensing from Durham University, shared his excitement about discovering a fort and a double wall structure as described in ancient accounts. He meticulously plotted circles on a map based on distances documented in those texts and examined areas where they intersected on the satellite images, ultimately leading to the identification of the site located about 30 kilometers south of Kufa in the Najaf Governorate.
The battle was a significant turning point, as a smaller Arab Muslim force managed to defeat a considerably larger army from the Sasanian Empire, which had long dominated the region. Deadman emphasized the importance of the victory as a pivotal moment in history that set the stage for the expansion of Muslim territories into Mesopotamia and beyond.
Currently, the battleground is situated in a farming area, and much of its ancient fortifications have been obscured or destroyed over time. The research team aims to conduct further mapping and archaeological surveys, although plans for on-site investigations have been temporarily halted due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Mustafa Baig, an Islamic Studies lecturer at the University of Exeter, remarked on the significance of this discovery, highlighting how the Muslim army’s mix of courage and strategic acumen led to their unexpected victory, thereby reshaping the historical landscape of the region.
This discovery not only sheds light on a crucial moment in history but also opens up new opportunities for tourism, as visitors may now seek to explore the newly identified site of the battle.
In summary, the discovery of the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah site not only enhances our understanding of historical events but also signifies the advances that can be made in archaeology through modern technology and interdisciplinary collaboration. It provides hope for further historical revelations and the preservation of our shared heritage.