Bitumen

• Bitumen is a black resinous petroleum based substance that oozes naturally from the ground.
• It is found in Iraq, Iran, Syria, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Uses of Bitumen in the Ancient World

• • Adhesive
    • for putting eyes onto statues and to repair broken pottery.
    • Decorative art on pottery and other objects, consisting of shells, stones or mother of pearl were held in place by Bitumen.
  • Disinfectant
    • in medicine.
  • Embalming Fluid
    • in Ancient Egypt, in a mixture consisting of Bitumen, Conifer Resin, Grease and Beeswax.
  • Flammable material
    • in Incense.
  • Insecticide
  • Sealant
    • in Coffins and Sarcophagi.
  • Sealant
    • to seal baths and also roofs made from palm leaves.
  • Sealant
    • to waterproof canoes and hulls of vessels.
  • mortar
    • for building Palaces, Public Buildings and Ziggurats.
  • Surfacing material
    • in the Processional Way in Babylon.
  • Terraces
    • such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
  • Waterproofing
    • used for coating containers and wooden posts.

Iraq