Archaeologists from Durham University in the UK, in collaboration with Iraq’s University of Al-Qadisiyah, have successfully identified the location of the ancient Battle of al-Qadisiyyah, which occurred around 636 or 637 AD. This breakthrough was achieved by blending historical narratives with declassified US spy satellite images.
The Battle of al-Qadisiyyah is a historically significant event, marking a considerable victory for Arab Muslims and facilitating their expansion beyond the Arabian Peninsula. Up to this point, the exact site of the battle had remained elusive.
William Deadman, an archaeological remote sensing expert from Durham University, stated that the discovery is part of an extensive project aimed at mapping archaeological sites throughout the Middle East. The initial focus was on uncovering the Darb Zubaydah pilgrimage route from Kufa, Iraq, to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. However, while analyzing the satellite images from the 1970s alongside historical texts, the researchers recognized an opportunity to locate the famous battle site as well.
Using mentioned distances from historical accounts, Deadman created a series of circles on the map and identified overlapping areas on the satellite imagery. He expressed his amazement upon discovering a fort and a double wall feature that matched descriptions from historical records.
According to the team’s findings, the battle site is roughly 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Kufa in modern-day Najaf Governorate. The battle featured a smaller Arab Muslim force defeating a much larger army from the Sasanian Empire—a turning point in history that marked Arabs’ first substantial victory beyond Arabia.
Much of the area is currently farmland, and remnants such as the extensive walls have been deteriorated or repurposed. Plans for further surveying and mapping of the site are underway, although the team’s fieldwork is currently on hold due to regional tensions.
The discovery is expected to draw interest from tourists and historians alike, with many likely eager to visit the newfound historical location. Mustafa Baig, a lecturer in Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter, emphasized the significance of the find, noting the battle’s role in shaping the region’s history.
Overall, this discovery shines a light on the power of combining modern technology with historical research, illustrating their potential to unlock long-buried secrets of the past and drawing a connection to a pivotal point in human history.
The search for the remnants of our past continues to inspire curiosity and excitement, showing that the story of humanity is still being revealed. This underscores the importance of archaeological research in understanding our historical heritage and promoting cultural tourism.