A fascinating news article in The Independent (UK edition) caught my attention recently, shedding new light on an ancient chapter of Iraq’s complex history. The research team of international archaeologists has discovered compelling evidence that a vast network of ridges and canals in Southern Iraq, long believed to be the remnants of an ancient agricultural system, may actually have been built using slave labor. This revelation offers a unique glimpse into the social structures of the region, showing the immense, often forgotten contribution of enslaved people to the historical landscape of Southern Iraq.

The Discovery: Unveiling Hidden Traces

For centuries, scholars and historians have speculated about the origins of the extensive ridges and canals that stretch across the Shaṭṭ al-Arab floodplain in Southern Iraq. Long thought to be the remains of an agricultural system from a bygone era, the origins of these structures were a mystery — until now.

The international research team, which includes archaeologists from Durham and Newcastle universities in the U.K., Radboud University in the Netherlands, and the University of Basra in Iraq, has uncovered startling new evidence. By analysing satellite imagery and conducting radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence dating on samples from the ridges, the team has confirmed that these massive earthen features date back to the period between the late 9th and mid-13th century CE.

This timeline places their construction squarely within the context of the Abbasid Caliphate, during which the infamous “Zanj rebellion” took place in 869 CE. This insurrection, led by enslaved Africans known as the Zanj, marks a significant moment in the history of the region.

The Zanj Rebellion: A Turning Point in Iraq’s History

The term “Zanj” refers to a group of enslaved Africans, mainly from the Swahili Coast of East Africa, who were brought to the Arabian Peninsula and Mesopotamia. Though the exact origins of the Zanj remain debated, it is widely accepted that many were brought as slaves to work on large-scale agricultural and irrigation projects in the marshlands of Southern Iraq.

In 869 CE, the Zanj rose in revolt against their oppressive Abbasid masters in what would become known as the Zanj Rebellion. The rebellion was fueled by the extremely harsh working and living conditions endured by these enslaved people. They faced brutal treatment, meager sustenance, and arduous labour in the salt flats.

The revolt lasted for more than a decade, lasting until 883 CE. The Abbasid Caliphate, initially preoccupied with other internal conflicts, struggled to suppress the rebellion. It was only when the caliphal regent al-Muwaffaq (brother of Caliph al-Mu’tamid) focused a significant military effort that the tide began to turn. While the Abbasid state eventually regained control of the region, the revolt marked a pivotal moment in the history of enslaved peoples in Iraq.

The Zanj Rebellion had a devastating impact on the region. It caused immense destruction to the economy, agriculture, and trade. Thousands of lives were lost, irrigation systems were destroyed, and numerous villages were abandoned. The caliphate itself suffered significant losses in revenue and prestige, contributing to its ongoing fragmentation and the rise of regional dynasties. The Zanj Rebellion remains one of the largest and most destructive slave revolts in history.

What’s fascinating about this discovery is how it connects the architectural remnants of the ridges and canals to this very period of slavery. The large-scale construction of these earthen structures — spanning several centuries — provides a possible link between the enslaved Zanj and the massive investment of human labour needed to build these agricultural and irrigation systems.

A New Look at Ancient Slavery

The new findings challenge previous assumptions about the use of slave labour in the region. The researchers suggest that the creation of these earthworks wasn’t a short-term endeavor, but rather a long-lasting enterprise that spanned centuries. Dating the ridges to the late 9th century, the team suggests that the use of enslaved labor continued for several centuries after the rebellion, well into the 13th century.

Jaafar Jotheri, a professor of archaeology at the University of Al-Qadisiyah in Iraq, who was part of the research team, highlights the significance of this discovery. In an interview with The Independent, he noted that the enslaved people’s contributions to the landscape have not been adequately documented in history. The Zanj, despite their crucial role in shaping the region, have remained largely invisible in the annals of historical records.

Interestingly, many descendants of these enslaved people still live in the modern-day port city of Basra, in southern Iraq. Yet, despite their continued presence and significance, their history has largely been marginalised. This research represents an important first step in rectifying this oversight and bringing the legacy of the Zanj into the historical spotlight.

The Impact of Slave Labor on Iraqi Landscape Heritage

The findings have important implications for how we understand the history of the region’s agricultural practices and social structures. The scale of the ridges and canals — over 7,000 massive manmade features — suggests an investment of human labour on an unprecedented scale. According to the report published in the journal Antiquity, the archaeological evidence “demonstrates that these features were in use for a substantially longer period than previously assumed.”

The researchers argue that this discovery is a key piece of Iraqi landscape heritage, one that has been hidden for centuries. It sheds light on the ancient methods of land cultivation and the human cost involved in their construction. In particular, it speaks to the often invisible contributions of enslaved people to the agricultural and irrigation systems that sustained the region.

Resurgence of Archaeology in Iraq

The discovery of these ridges and canals comes at a time when Iraq’s archaeological community is experiencing a much-needed resurgence. For decades, Iraq — often referred to as the “cradle of civilisation” due to its rich historical heritage — has suffered from political instability, conflict, and the looting of ancient artefacts. These factors have severely stunted archaeological exploration and preservation in the country.

However, in recent years, a renewed interest in Iraq’s ancient history has emerged, with international teams collaborating to unearth and protect Iraq’s rich cultural legacy. Thousands of stolen artefacts have been repatriated, and excavation projects are gradually returning to Iraq’s vast archaeological sites. This new research is part of this broader effort to restore Iraq’s place in the global historical narrative.

Revisiting History

The research team’s findings not only challenge long-held assumptions about the origins of Southern Iraq’s ridges and canals but also force us to reconsider the role of enslaved people in shaping the region’s history. The Zanj rebellion and its aftermath are integral parts of the region’s historical fabric, but they have often been overlooked in mainstream accounts.

What’s perhaps most striking is how history has often ignored or erased the contributions of enslaved peoples to the development of civilisations. This research is an important step toward correcting this historical oversight, giving voice to the enslaved people whose labor helped shape the very landscape of Southern Iraq.

The legacies of the Zanj and their revolt — though long hidden in the shadows of history — are finally emerging, thanks to the diligent work of archaeologists and historians who are shedding light on these long-forgotten chapters. As we move forward, we must continue to recognise and honour the contributions of all people, especially those whose labour has been marginalised or erased from historical records.

In the end, the discovery of the ridges and canals in Southern Iraq not only enriches our understanding of the past but also serves as a reminder of the resilience and agency of the people who lived — and labored — in the shadows of history. It calls us to reflect on how we write history and who gets to tell the story.

This discovery is a victory for those who fought, rebelled, and contributed to the region’s development — even when their names and stories were left out of the historical record. It’s a reminder that, even in the darkest chapters of history, there are always stories waiting to be uncovered.

Images are from the Internet.