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Iraq

Abu Salabikh

Sumerian city site with significant mounds

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

The archaeological site of Abu Salabikh in Iraq is a notable Sumerian city that thrived from the Neolithic through the late 3rd millennium BCE. Situated northwest of ancient Nippur, the site consists of three mounds, with the main Early Dynastic mound surrounded by a defensive wall. The city, connected culturally to Kish, Mari, and Ebla, is characterized by its rectilinear urban planning evident from Early Dynastic times. Abu Salabikh is significant for yielding around 500 tablets, including some of the earliest Sumerian literature, such as the Instructions of Shuruppak. The site also features remnants of an Early Dynastic palace and a temple. Notably, the city experienced decline when the Euphrates River shifted its course, leading to abandonment.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Abu Salabikh

FileBasse_Mesopotamie_DA.PNG

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Defensive Structures

Defensive Walls

Religious and Ritual Structures

Temples

Domestic and Habitation Structures

CitiesPalaces

Environmental and Natural Features

Artificial Mounds

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Iraq
Source
Wikipedia