Discovery of Charax Spasinu

Discovery of Charax Spasinu

The recent identification of the ancient city of Charax Spasinu in southern Iraq marks a major archaeological breakthrough, shedding light on early urbanisation and global trade networks in Mesopotamia. Located near the confluence of the Tigris and Eulaeus rivers, the city occupied a strategic position connecting inland Mesopotamia with the Persian Gulf.

Historically, the city was founded by Alexander the Great in 324 BCE as “Alexandria on the Tigris” to control vital waterways. It was later rebuilt by Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV and subsequently developed by Hyspaosines, who fortified it and renamed it Charax Spasinu. It became the capital of the Characene Kingdom and followed a Hippodamian grid layout, reflecting strong Hellenistic urban planning influences combined with local Mesopotamian traditions.