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Battle of Kadesia Location Found Using Cold War Satellite Imagery
Researchers used Cold War-era satellite imagery to pinpoint the location of the historically significant Battle of Kadesia in modern-day Iraq.
German
Germany
Middle EastSatellite TechnologyAncient WarfareHistorical DiscoveryArchaeological Site
University Of DurhamUniversity Of Al-QadisiyahEuropean Space AgencyGoogleBing
William DeadmanJaafar JotheriSaddam Hussein
- When and where did the Battle of Kadesia take place?
- The Battle of al-Qādisīya, or Kadesia, took place around 637/38 CE in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) between the Arab Muslim army and the Sassanid Persian Empire. The battle was significant due to the Arab victory against a larger force, leading to the expansion of the Islamic empire into Persia.
- What was Saddam Hussein's use of the Battle of Kadesia?
- Saddam Hussein used the Battle of Kadesia in his propaganda during the Iran-Iraq War, portraying it as a precursor to Iraqi victory. This historical context highlights the battle's enduring political significance and its relevance to the Iraqi national identity.
- What sources did researchers use to locate the battle site?
- Researchers utilized Cold War-era satellite imagery from the 1970s, along with Google Earth and Bing Maps, to locate the battle site. The images revealed a double-walled structure, possibly a canal, that helped pinpoint the location approximately 30 kilometers south of Kufa.
- What key features helped confirm the identification of the battle site?
- The discovery was made by a team of researchers from several universities while mapping the Darb Zubaydah pilgrimage route. The combination of satellite imagery and historical texts allowed for the identification of key features, including a deep ditch, two fortresses, and an ancient riverbed.
- What are the current plans for the site, and what challenges does it face?
- The team plans to begin excavations in the coming year. The site is currently used for agriculture, and a significant portion of a discovered ten-kilometer-long "double wall" has already been destroyed. This underlines the urgency of preserving the site.