Charax Spasinou

Research on the capital of Mesene, a center of ancient trade

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) project

Duration: 2019-2022

Point of contact: Jan Walstra

Summary

Charax Spasinou is the premier ancient settlement in the Basra Province, and the survey here represents the first large-scale investigation of the region’s pre-Islamic history. The objective is to record the surface remains of the city and its environs, and to make a plan for its future protection and enhancement. Additional activities include reconstructing the ancient river courses and paleoenvironment of the city.