Welcome to the Charax Spasinou international archaeological research initiative — a collaborative project dedicated to uncovering, documenting, and preserving one of the ancient world’s most important port cities. Located near modern-day Al-Qurna in southern Iraq, Charax was founded in 324 BC during the campaigns of Alexander the Great. Over the centuries, this remarkable settlement became the capital of the Characene kingdom and a thriving commercial gateway linking Mesopotamia with the Persian Gulf, India, Arabia, and beyond.
Our project brings together experts from multiple countries to study Charax’s urban development, environmental past, and historical significance. Through systematic archaeological investigations, we aim to protect this endangered site while advancing global understanding of ancient trade networks and intercultural exchange.
Who We Are
The Charax Spasinou initiative is a multidisciplinary team consisting of archaeologists, historians, geophysicists, environmental scientists, and cultural heritage specialists. Since our fieldwork began in 2016, we have mapped extensive districts of the ancient city, identified monumental features, and reconstructed elements of its commercial and administrative landscape.
Using advanced technologies and scientific methods, we document structures, survey vast residential zones, analyze artifacts, and interpret the long-term history of charax as a vibrant urban center. Our international collaboration ensures a comprehensive and responsible approach to studying this important archaeological heritage.
Our Mission
Our mission is to investigate Charax’s past while safeguarding its future. The site is threatened by environmental changes, shifting waterways, erosion, and modern land use pressures. By conducting high-quality research, producing open-access documentation, and raising awareness, we aim to support long-term preservation and responsible heritage management.
We also seek to deepen understanding of Charax’s economic role, strategic importance, and cultural diversity — from its early Hellenistic foundations to the city’s significance during the Parthian period and its connections to the charax roman empire commercial networks.
What We Do
Our archaeological work includes:
- Large-scale geophysical surveys to reveal urban planning beneath the surface
- Topographic mapping and spatial analysis of ancient infrastructure
- Environmental and geoarchaeological studies to reconstruct the ancient landscape
- Systematic artifact collection and cultural material analysis
- Historical research connecting Charax to broader ancient trade systems
- Public reporting, academic publications, and heritage outreach programs
These efforts allow us to piece together how Charax evolved over more than two millennia and how different empires shaped its identity.
Why Charax Matters
Charax was more than a port — it was a hub of globalization in the ancient world. Its location at the head of the Persian Gulf made it a focal point for long-distance commerce and diplomatic interaction. Goods, ideas, and cultures converged here, linking regions from the Mediterranean world to South Asia.
The study of charax provides key insights into maritime trade, urban resilience, political transitions, and environmental adaptation. Understanding this city helps scholars reconstruct the complex relationships that defined the ancient Near East and shaped the commercial landscapes of the charax roman empire era.
Our Commitment to Preservation
We recognize that Charax Spasinou is an irreplaceable cultural heritage site. Our work prioritizes ethical research, long-term protection, and community engagement. By collaborating with regional authorities, global heritage institutions, and local communities, we support sustainable strategies to safeguard Charax for future generations.
Every map, survey, and excavation strengthens our ability to preserve and share the story of this extraordinary ancient city.
Contact Us
For inquiries about our project, research collaboration, academic publications, or support opportunities:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://charaxspasinou.org/
Location: Spain
Thank you for supporting the study and preservation of Charax Spasinou — a gateway to understanding the ancient world.