Adab (city)

Adab, an ancient Sumerian city located at present-day Bismaya in Iraq, was a significant urban center during the Early Dynastic, Akkadian, and Ur III periods, stretching into the Kassite period. The site, characterized by numerous mounds, was fortified with a double wall and featured significant religious structures, including temples dedicated to deities like Inanna and Ninhursag. The city also had a ziggurat and an extensive canal system, suggesting sophisticated water management. Its archaeological significance is underscored by discoveries of inscribed tablets and artifacts that provide insights into Sumerian civilization. Despite extensive looting, Adab's historical and cultural layers reveal its importance in ancient Mesopotamian history.