During an excavation in Iraq's ancient Sumerian cit of Girsu, modern day Tello, archaeologists discovered two temples.
The newer temple, reportedly built in the Hellenistic era and dating back to the fourth century BC, is believed to have been consecrated to Greek emperor Alexander the Great.
Sebastien Rey, an archaeologist and curator of Ancient Mesopotamia at the British Museum in London, led the excavation. Rey told media that archaeologists have discovered the remains of an older Sumerian temple buried in the same location as a newer temple that was dedicated to the Greek demigod Hercules and his Sumerian equivalent, the hero-god Ningirsu — also known as Ninurta.
The fact that the newer temple was constructed on the same location as its predecessor indicated the site's importance to the Mesopotamian people, the archaeologist said.
Rey stated that the inhabitants of Babylonia in the 4th century BC demonstrated a vast knowledge of their history, demonstrating the vibrant legacy of the Sumerians.