1.5M-year-old hand tools found in Iraq provide new insights into human life

Archaeologists from the Free University of Brussels (VUB) uncovered significant evidence of human presence in Iraq’s Western Desert, with hand axes dating back 1.5 million years.

This discovery, part of a broader fieldwork project, provides new insights into the geomorphological history of the region and the behavior of humans during the Paleolithic period.

Excavations reveal ancient sites in al-Shabakah area

In November and December 2024, Ella Egberts from VUB led a pilot project in Iraq’s al-Shabakah area, focusing on surface archaeological material that could shed light on ancient human activity. The campaign was a success, uncovering seven Paleolithic sites across a 10-by-20-kilometer area. Among the most significant finds were hand axes from the Early Paleolithic and Levallois reduction flakes from the Middle Paleolithic.

“The fieldwork was a huge success,” Egberts confirmed. “The targeted campaign led to the discovery of key sites that will help us better understand human behavior in the region.”

850 artifacts collected for future analysis

The team’s exploration focused on a region that once housed a large lake during the Pleistocene, now dried up, with ancient riverbeds weaving through the landscape. Over 850 artifacts were collected, including tools from the Early and Middle Paleolithic periods. Egberts believes these findings will add valuable information to the ongoing research into human migration and cultural development in the Arabian Peninsula.

“The other sites in the region are equally important and deserve further investigation. This will surely yield additional lithic material that could reshape our understanding of human life,” Egberts added.

Unveiling clues of human landscape use

The discoveries indicate the presence of humans in the region, providing emerging clues about the ways they utilized the landscape. Future research will involve detailed technological and typological analysis of the artifacts and expand the study area to provide a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior.

“The results from Iraq will significantly contribute to the broader knowledge of human’s prehistoric life on the Arabian Peninsula,” said Egberts.

Local involvement and education efforts in Iraq

Egberts’ fieldwork also had a key educational component. She trained local Iraqi archaeology students in geo-archaeology and Paleolithic studies, fostering new interest in the ancient history of Iraq. A workshop at al-Qadisiyah University, along with lectures in Karbala and Najaf, reached a multidisciplinary academic audience and the general public.

Egberts also took time to engage local schoolchildren in learning about prehistoric discoveries, inspiring the next generation of archaeologists in Iraq.

Positive collaboration with Iraqi authorities

Despite Iraq’s reputation for conflict, Egberts reported that the fieldwork went smoothly. The team faced few obstacles, aside from the presence of numerous checkpoints. The project was well-received by local authorities, and Egberts expressed her gratitude for the support of the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage.

“The people in Iraq are incredibly welcoming, and the collaboration has been highly successful,” she said.

Egberts plans to continue her research with VUB, aiming to secure funding for the next phase of the project. This will involve reconstructing the environmental changes that occurred during the Pleistocene and further exploring the human presence and behavior in Iraq’s Western Desert.