Ancient city was destroyed by ISIS. Now, its mirror image found in ‘forgotten’ ruins

The ancient city of Dura-Europos, located along the Euphrates River in Syria, has been largely destroyed by the Islamic State looters, marking a major loss for the archaeological community.

But, new research reveals that another ancient “forgotten” city — located just a few miles downriver — bears a striking similarity to Dura-Europos, according to a study published in April in the Journal of Near Eastern Studies.

The city of Anqa, whose ruins lay just across the border in Iraq, was once a major economic hub, linking Syria, Mesopotamia and Babylon, author Simon James wrote in the study.

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However, its remains, which include a large outer wall, were “ignored entirely by archaeologists” until a British expedition in 1850.

About 70 years later, another survey involving aerial photography was undertaken. But even after these twin expeditions, archaeologists showed little interest in further understanding the city.

Colonial intervention in the region — undertaken by the French and British militaries — likely played a role in this lack of archaeological interest, James wrote.

But the new study “identifies the city of Anqa as a near mirror image of Dura-Europos,” James, affiliated with the University of Leicester in the U.K., wrote.

Anqa is “of the same size, comparable composition, and potentially equal value to scholars of the region,” he added.

While Dura-Europos has sustained significant damage, Anqa remains “relatively untouched” — and could be a source of valuable insight into the region.

Archaeological remains throughout the Middle East have been subjected to damage and destruction following the “Arab spring” uprisings, according to a 2016 report published by the United Nations’ Human Rights Office.

“No matter what future solution may be, it is vital that plans for rebuilding countries like Syria after the war include their cultural heritage,” the report concluded.

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