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Discovery of Gilgamesh’s Tomb
In 2003, a German archaeological team led by Jörg Fassbinder announced the discovery of what they believed could be the tomb of Gilgamesh near the ancient city of Uruk, modern-day Iraq.
The team used magnetic imaging to identify structures that corresponded to descriptions from the Epic of Gilgamesh, such as garden structures and burial sites near the Euphrates River.
Wallace emphasizes the potential significance of this discovery, suggesting that it could scientifically test the myths and potentially reveal extraterrestrial involvement in human history.
He views the tomb as a crucial opportunity to explore whether the Sumerian Kings List and related narratives might be based on historical fact, particularly regarding the idea of extraterrestrial influence.
Initial Discovery (2003):
The tomb was reportedly located in the floodplain of the Euphrates River, matching the descriptions of Gilgamesh’s burial site in the ancient epic. The findings included potential architectural structures and artifacts related to the time of Gilgamesh.
Research Interruption:
Due to the instability and looting in Iraq following the 2003 invasion, further excavation and research were halted. Security concerns have prevented continued archaeological exploration, leaving many questions about the site unanswered.
Speculative Theories:
While some researchers and enthusiasts speculate about the implications of the tomb’s discovery for understanding ancient history and mythology, there has been no concrete progress in confirming whether the site is indeed Gilgamesh’s tomb or what the potential findings might signify.
Current Status:
As of 2024, there are no active archaeological projects directly exploring the tomb due to the ongoing challenges in the region. However, the discovery continues to inspire interest in the connections between ancient mythologies and potential historical realities.
Göbekli Tepe
The current state of research at Göbekli Tepe, the ancient archaeological site in Turkey, is characterized by ongoing but limited excavation efforts, as well as significant challenges related to management and preservation.
As of 2023, only about 5% of Göbekli Tepe has been excavated, despite the site being discovered in 1995. This figure has remained largely unchanged in recent years due to a strategic decision to focus on preservation and tourism rather than extensive archaeological digging.
The site is managed through a partnership between the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Doğuş Group, a major conglomerate with interests in tourism. This partnership, established in 2016, aims to balance excavation with the site’s role as a tourist destination.
Some archaeologists and historians have criticized the handling of the site, particularly the construction of concrete walkways and infrastructure, which they claim have damaged unexcavated areas. Klaus Schmidt’s widow, an archaeologist herself, expressed concern over the impact of heavy construction on the site.
There is a notion of leaving significant portions of Göbekli Tepe unexcavated for future generations to explore, with the current focus being more on preservation and tourism development.
The Pyramids of Egypt
While the pyramids themselves are not off-limits, extensive exploration and excavation in certain areas, especially around the Great Pyramid of Giza, are limited due to the preservation policies of the Egyptian government. Political instability in the region also contributes to the halt of certain projects.
Research continues but is tightly controlled by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities. Some areas within the pyramids remain unexplored.
