The Ziggurat of Ur is one of the best-preserved and most impressive structures from ancient Mesopotamia.
The Ziggurat of Ur, also called the Great Ziggurat, is one of the best-preserved and most impressive structures from ancient Mesopotamia. A region now better known as modern-day Iraq. (Also including other surrounding countries such as Syria and Turkey).
In fact, the BBC refers to it as 'Iraq's Answer to the Pyramids'.
This famous Ziggurat stands near the modern town of Nasiriyah, in southern Iraq, on the site of the ancient city of Ur.
If you've ever wondered what a Sumerian skyscraper looked like, this is it.
Some locals believe it inspired the biblical Tower of Babel.
What is a Ziggurat?
Ziggurat of Ur Ancient Origins
The Ziggurat of Ur over the Years
A ziggurat is a massive stepped platform with a temple at the top.
It was part religious centre, part architectural wonder. Built by the Sumerians, these structures were believed to connect heaven and earth.
The Ziggurat of Ur was dedicated to Nanna, the Sumerian moon god.
The Ziggurat of Ur was built around 2100 BCE by King Ur-Nammu. He was the founder of the Third Dynasty of Ur.
His son, Shulgi, completed it.
At the time, Ur was a bustling centre of religion, science, and trade. The ziggurat was the city’s spiritual heart. Indeed, the ziggurat was part of a much larger temple complex that included shrines, courtyards, and storehouses.
It once stood around 30 metres tall and featured three levels of mud brick, faced with baked brick for extra strength.
Wide staircases led to the top, where priests made offerings and watched the stars. Some believe only priests and royalty were allowed to climb to the summit.
The structure fell into ruin after centuries of neglect, invasions, and natural decay.
By the 6th century BCE, it was already damaged.
In the 1980s, Saddam Hussein ordered a partial reconstruction, which added new bricks along the façade and staircases. These newer bricks are clearly marked, helping archaeologists distinguish original work from modern restoration.
During the 2003 Iraq War, the site came under US military control. You can still see bullet holes and trenches from that time.
Despite the damage, the ziggurat remains remarkably intact, so there’s still quite a bit to see on your visit.
Top Tip: Make sure to bring some Iraqi money with you. It appears on some versions of the old 250-dinar Iraqi banknote.
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