Just as ancient farmers depended on carefully maintained canals, modern communities rely on levees, reservoirs and wetlands to manage water, safeguard crops and adapt to environmental change.
Reed Goodman, Clemson University archaeologist
Imagine a city built around canals, thriving on agriculture, trade and religious festivals—until one day, its lifeline becomes its downfall.
That’s what scientists believe happened over 4,000 years ago in the ancient Mesopotamian city of Lagash, located in the modern town of Tell al‐Hiba in southern Iraq. Surprisingly, this ancient disaster holds valuable lessons for people today.
Environmental warfare
A recent study by Reed Goodman, Clemson University archaeologist housed at the Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science in Georgetown, South Carolina, and scientists from other institutions has uncovered evidence that Lagash was devastated by a massive flood likely triggered by human activities.
The scientists believe that during a military invasion by the city’s upstream rival, Umma, led by King Lugalzagesi, attackers may have breached the city’s canal system, unleashing floodwaters that buried buildings under more than a yard of silt.
“This wasn’t just a battle; it was environmental warfare,” Goodman said. “Lugalzagesi weaponized Lagash’s irrigation system, turning its lifeline into a force of destruction. Our study highlights how the very systems that support farming and prosperity could also become points of failure when mismanaged or exploited.”
The timing couldn’t have been worse. The attack happened during the spring flood season, when rivers were already swollen.
The flood turned a military conquest into an ecological disaster. Lagash’s population scattered and its economy collapsed. The city never fully recovered.
“This event reshaped the city’s landscape and its history,” Goodman said. “It’s a stark reminder of how vulnerable ancient civilizations were to the manipulation of their environment and how water, a source of life, could also be used as a weapon.”
Why this study matters today
The fall of Lagash occurred thousands of years ago, so why should South Carolinians care about it today? Because the state, like ancient Lagash, depends heavily on water infrastructure. From the rice fields of the Lowcountry to the irrigation systems supporting farms in the Midlands, water is vital.
“This history offers a cautionary parallel to the present,” Goodman said. “Just as ancient farmers depended on carefully maintained canals, modern communities rely on levees, reservoirs and wetlands to manage water, safeguard crops and adapt to environmental change.”
The flood that destroyed Lagash was the result of neglect or attack, highlighting the importance of maintaining water systems. Neglecting levees, canals, or dams can lead to disaster. Additionally, floods during peak wet seasons can be particularly destructive.
“This study serves as a reminder that infrastructure, ecology and social cooperation are deeply intertwined,” Goodman said. “It also shows that sustainable management of land and water remains essential for both agriculture and long-term community resilience.”
Resilient infrastructure
Spring and summer are peak wet seasons for South Carolina. July is a consistently wet month, especially in the coastal areas, due to frequent afternoon thunderstorms and the influence of tropical systems.
The scientists found that poor maintenance, mismanagement, or conflict can turn infrastructure failures into humanitarian crises. Environmental changes increase flooding risks, making proactive water management even more urgent.
The study also highlights the importance of developing redundant, decentralized and adaptive water systems. Investing in resilient systems, such as flood defenses, smart irrigation and emergency planning, is essential.
“This study mirrors modern urban challenges where cities are vulnerable to environmental changes, environmental mismanagement and infrastructure failure,” Goodman said. “The Lagash case underscores the importance of resilient infrastructure and adaptive planning in flood-prone regions. As the frequency of extreme weather events increases, cities could learn or seek inspiration from ancient failures to avoid repeating them.”
In addition to Goodman, other scientists involved in the study include Liviu Gosan of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Zhixiong Shen of Coastal Carolina University, Paul Zimmerman of the Penn Museum, Andreas Lang of the University of Salzburg, Stefan Constantinescu of Bucharest University, Sara Pizzimenti of the University of Pisa, Zaid Alrawi of the Penn Museum, and Holly Pittman of the University of Pennsylvania.
For more information, read The Flooding of Lagash (Iraq): Evidence for Urban Destruction Under Lugalzagesi, the King of Uruk and Umma.
