Droughts have always had the potential to alter landscapes, but in recent years, they’ve also been exposing ancient remnants of civilizations. As water levels drop in rivers and reservoirs around the world, archaeological sites that have been hidden for decades, or even centuries, are resurfacing. From ghost towns in Spain to Mesopotamian cities in Iraq, these sudden revelations are not just fascinating—they are also a stark reminder of how rapidly climate change is impacting our world.

Archaeological Wonders Resurfacing Amidst the Drought

The ongoing climate crisis has been making its presence felt in more ways than one. In 2022, we witnessed extreme weather events like wildfires, floods, and notably, severe droughts. One of the more unusual effects has been the uncovering of hidden historical treasures—sites that had been submerged or buried for years are now reappearing as rivers and fields dry up. While these discoveries offer a glimpse into the past, they also underscore how quickly our environment is changing¹.

Take, for example, the town of Aceredo in northwest Spain. Submerged in 1992 after the Alto Lindoso dam was constructed, Aceredo was a ghost town lost beneath the water for decades. However, this year, as the region faced extreme drought, the river Lima ran dry, and the village emerged once again. What’s shocking is not just the fact that the town resurfaced, but the incredible preservation of the homes and structures. Even beer crates were found, providing an eerie snapshot of life before the town was flooded.

I remember hearing about the village’s first reappearance in 2007, after a similar drought. The sight of the old houses half-exposed felt almost surreal. But this time, it feels even more unnerving. Maximino Perez Romero, a former resident of Aceredo, shared his feelings with Reuters: “It’s like watching a film. I fear this will become more common with ongoing droughts and climate change.”

Ancient Civilizations Emerging from the Water

In Iraq, another remarkable discovery occurred as the ancient city of Kemune, located along the Tigris River, reappeared as water levels dropped due to the ongoing drought. This 3,400-year-old site, once part of the Kingdom of Mitanni, was submerged when the Mosul Dam was constructed decades ago. But in June 2022, as the Tigris receded to an unprecedented low, the city emerged from the waters, offering archaeologists a rare opportunity to explore a long-lost Mesopotamian civilization².

The last time the site was visible was during a drought in 2018. Archaeologists had uncovered remnants of a palace and artifacts from the period, but with this year’s drought, the site has revealed even more—brick buildings, fortifications, and even cuneiform tablets. Peter Pfälzner, a professor at Tübingen University, who helped with the excavation, called it a “miracle” that these clay tablets survived underwater for so long. However, the excitement was short-lived as the Tigris quickly returned to its normal level, once again submerging these treasures.

The Pô River and the Tiber: Ancient and Modern Mysteries

In Italy, the Tiber River and Pô River have also seen dramatic drops in water levels, exposing long-buried artifacts. Near Rome, the Tiber revealed a bridge believed to be constructed during the reign of Emperor Nero. While there’s debate about whether Nero himself built it, the structure’s unveiling offers an intriguing look at ancient Roman engineering.

Meanwhile, the Pô River has revealed relics from a much more recent past. A 450 kg World War II bomb was discovered along with remnants of a German tank and barges from the war. In addition, a 48-meter-long wooden barge, the Zibello, was also exposed. These discoveries, like others, were made possible by the river’s unusually low water levels.

But it’s not just in Europe that the climate is revealing ancient secrets. In the U.S., Lake Mead has become a site for chilling discoveries as water levels fall—human remains have emerged, offering a grim reminder of the forces shaping our planet. In Austria, a mummified chamois was found as ice melted on the Gepatschferner glacier, the second-largest glacier in the country. These discoveries, while fascinating, also raise a troubling question: Are these signs of an accelerating climate crisis?

The Climate Crisis in Plain Sight

While these archaeological discoveries offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, they also underscore the seriousness of the climate emergency we are facing. The rapid uncovering of these sites is a direct result of extreme weather conditions caused by rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns. What was once hidden beneath water or soil is now exposed, and the impact is not just historical—it’s a warning of things to come³.

The resurfacing of these sites isn’t just about exploring ancient civilizations or uncovering relics. It’s a tangible reminder of how quickly climate change is altering our planet. From the disappearance of water sources to the disruption of ecosystems, these revelations reflect the real-time consequences of our changing climate.

As we continue to witness the effects of global warming and climate change, these discoveries remind us that the past and the future are deeply intertwined. The next time we see a drought or extreme weather, we may find that it’s not just landscapes that are changing, but entire histories being brought back to life—sometimes with unsettling consequences.

Footnotes:

  1. Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events in 2022 https://wmo.int/about-us/world-meteorological-day/wmd-2022/climate-change-and-extreme-weather.

  2. Archaeological Discoveries in Iraq https://www.voanews.com/a/iraqi-archaeologists-piece-together-ancient-treasures-ravaged-by-is-/7929189.html.

  3. Effects of Climate Change on Global Ecosystems https://www.epa.gov/climateimpacts/climate-change-impacts-ecosystems.