British Museum researchers studying the Imago Mundi, an ancient world map discovered in modern-day Iraq, have uncovered compelling evidence linking the artifact to the biblical story. The palm-sized clay tablet, discovered by archaeologist Hormuzd Rassam in 1882 in the ancient Babylonian city of Sippar, features cuneiform writing on both sides and an etched map.

Writing above the map describes the creation of the Earth, while the map itself provides an aerial view of Mesopotamia. Surrounding ancient Mesopotamia is a double circle labeled the “Bitter River,” which the Babylonians considered the boundary of their known world. Beyond this border, eight triangular shapes indicate distant mountains and unexplored lands.

Researchers think the back side of the tablet acts as a guide for any explorer considering a journey beyond the Bitter River, telling of exotic lands filled with giant birds and trees bearing jewels instead of fruit.