In January, directors Jane Moon and Robert Killick were able to visit Iraq – the first step in getting the project off the ground. Baghdad was the first port of call, where very positive discussions were had with the Chairman of the State Board for Antiquities and Heritage, who expressed his enthusiastic support for a new British excavation project in Iraq proper. The next stage was to visit the Ur area, spending a few days based in Nasiriyah, which had an encouraging atmosphere of normality, and, notwithstanding news reports of unfortunate incidents on the nearby pilgrim route to Kerbala, seemed generally peaceful and settled. We visited Tell Khaiber (see image), which we only knew from satellite photographs and maps, and which we were delighted to find exceeded expectations. The site is undisturbed, with no signs of looting or robbing, and ... Read More »