NOTE 17 APR 09: As of 26 FEB 09 the container is at new
coordinates which have been updated in the location field above and
with a log entry. The hide description below and spoiler pics no
longer apply but are left here for historical reasons. Much thanks
to Kansasbandit for reviving the lost treasure.
Queen Shubad or Puabi, circa 2500 BC Co-Ruler of Ur (Iraq)
The Sumerian Dynasty of Ur was located on the Euphrates River.
There are several surviving indications of her importance. Her name
is only one of two with the title "nim" (Queen) inscribed on a
cylinder seal of lapis lazuli in the Royal Cemetery of Ur. She was
the wife of an unknown king, and is buried in a way that indicates
more than kingship - and she might have been considered a god, or
at least that she represented a god on earth.
This site is an easy walk from the more famous ruins of the
Ziggurat of Ur.
The location is not off-limits and not guarded. It is on the
coalition controlled compound of Ali (Tallil) Air Base near An
Nasariyah.
There is a single strand of concertina around this area now but
it’s for safety purposes so folks don’t walk in the wrong way and
fall through one of the many holes and entomb themselves. At
waypoint 30 57.706N 046 06.396E you will find a section that can be
opened. Or, if you are here you might already know how to step on
and over worn out C-wire.
The cache is in a small antechamber next to an open ceiling
corridor which is on top of the Queen’s subterranean tomb. You can
get a good satellite fix here. But, so that you don’t go off and
start an archaeological dig yourself in search of this one, I ask
that you please use the spoiler pictures and go right for the
cranny that’s circled. This way too, if you’re on a guided tour you
can make a quick snag without drawing a lot of attention. The
container is a 35MM film canister painted in desert fleck
camouflage paint. It is a donation from the Heart of Texas (H.O.T.)
Geocacher’s Association via Jeep_Dog. It contains a log scroll and
pencil.
Please be respectful of the site. Don’t use foul language; this
is the resting place of a powerful woman. Don’t move or remove
anything. The slightest little pottery sherd could be the missing
piece of an archaeologist’s puzzle.
For more information on the lovely queen, check out these
links:
(Art Net)
(Notes
On Mesopotamia)
(Wikpedia)