The Rev.John P.Peters (now in New York), who was largely instrumental in raising the funds for the purpose, was appointed director of the expedition.

Excavations were continued for two years under Dr.Peters' personal supervision, and since then by Mr.John H.
Haynes, with most satisfactory success.

A great temple dedicated to the god Bel was discovered, and work has hitherto been confined chiefly to laying bare the various parts of the edifice.

The foundation of the building goes back to an earlier period than the ruins of Telloh.

It survived the varying fortunes of the city in which it stood, and each period of Babylonian history left its traces at Niffer through the records of the many rulers who sought the favor of the god by enlarging or beautifying his place of worship.