Explorations in Bible lands during the 19th century - H. V. Hilprecht

DURING linn CENTURY: ASSYRIA AND BABYLONIA 177
he came across many fragments of inscribed cones.
In the
long west mound he found two whole jars filled with clay
tablets placed in envelopes of the same material, and frequently
bearing seal impressions, in addition to over thirty
stray tablets and fragments.
Notwithstanding the insignificant funds and the short
time placed at the disposal of our explorer, and notwithstanding
the lack of a proper archaeological training so
seriously felt
by himself, and through which a large portion
of the scientific results have been lost, Taylor's patient
labors and attempts at disclosing the contents of Muqayyar
were successful beyond expectation. Different travellers
have since visited the ruins, taking measurements and picking
up a few objects here and there on the surface ;
all
but they
have added practically nothing to our knowledge of those
mounds, which is derived exclusively from the reports of
Loftus and Taylor written nearly fifty years ago. The
methodical exploration of Muqayyar and a complete restoration
of its history belong still to the desirable things expected
from the future. There is hope, however, that even
before the German railroad line from Baghdad to Basra has
been constructed, an American expedition will
start excavations
at these ruins in the beginning of the twentieth century.
1
Owing to the lawlessness of the Arab tribes roaming
over that part of the desert, and no less to the swampy
condition of the neighborhood of Muqayvar during the
annual inundations, there are peculiar difficulties to be overcome
here, similar to those prevailing at Nippur and Warka.
But with the necessary tact and determination they can be
overcome, and the mounds, considerably smaller in extent
than either of the two ruins mentioned, can be thoroughlv
1
According to information received by cable from Dr. Banks, the director
of the planned Expedition to Ur, at the beginning of October, 1901, the
Ottoman Government has declined to grant him a firman for the excavation
of
Muqavvar.