What ancient city on the Tigris River, believed to be Alexandria on the Tigris, was rediscovered in February 2026?

The ancient city recently rediscovered in February 2026, believed to be Alexandria on the Tigris, holds significant historical importance. Located in southern Iraq at a site now known as Jebel Khayyaber, this forgotten metropolis was once a pivotal port city. For centuries, its exact location remained a mystery, despite ancient texts hinting at its existence and influence. The rediscovery marks a major milestone in understanding ancient urbanism and trade networks.

Founded in the late fourth century BCE during Alexander the Great (Review)'s campaigns, the city, also known as Charax Spasinou, served as a crucial hub for long-distance trade. Strategically positioned near the confluence of the Tigris and Karun rivers, and once close to the Persian Gulf, it facilitated commerce between Mesopotamia, India, and Central Asia. Scholars liken its importance to that of Alexandria on the Nile, as both were purpose-built gateway cities connecting river systems to the open sea.

The city's prosperity, however, was intrinsically linked to its watery surroundings. Over time, geological changes, including the Tigris River shifting westward and the Persian Gulf coastline receding, gradually isolated Alexandria on the Tigris from its vital waterways. This environmental transformation led to its decline and eventual abandonment by the third century CE. Modern archaeologists, utilizing non-invasive techniques such as drone (Deals) imagery, surface surveys, and magnetometers, were able to map its vast, grid-laid urban plan, revealing extensive streets, residential blocks, temples, and industrial areas, even without extensive excavation. This groundbreaking research has brought a lost world back into focus.