Polish soldiers recently visited the ruins of ancient Nippur, considered a cradle of ancient Sumerian culture, in southeast Iraq.

The troops are with the Multi-National Division-Central South Civil Military Cooperation Group, which is responsible for protecting key archaeological sites in its area, according to a Multi-National Corps-Iraq news release.

A clay table at the site has ancient writing, according to Andrzej Leligdowicz, a Polish archaeologist with the group. He said many such tables have both official information and private details of ordinary life.

The ruins, in the city of Nuffar, are overseen by an “archaeological police station” designed to deter vandalism and insurgent activity.

“In some unattended stations we often observe plundering,” said Iraqi Col. Latif Khatim Jabbar, who commands the station.

Al-Quadisiyah province has a total of 90 “archaeological policemen,” including 30 at the Nippur station, according to Lt. Col. Andrzej Dylong, commander of the military cooperation group.

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