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Girsu
31.5620° N, 46.1776° E
About
Girsu, located northwest of Lagash in modern-day Iraq, was a prominent city in ancient Sumer. As the religious center of the Lagash kingdom, it housed significant temples dedicated to the god Ningirsu and his consort Bau. Girsu played a crucial role during the Early Dynastic period and became the capital under Gudea in the Second Dynasty of Lagash. It was also a vital administrative hub during the Ur III period. The site features prominent mounds and has yielded around 50,000 cuneiform tablets, as well as notable artifacts such as an alabaster statue and fragments of the Stele of the Vultures. Excavations continue to uncover its rich history, shedding light on its religious, administrative, and cultural significance throughout various periods.
Gallery
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Historical Timeline
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Ubaid Period Habitation
5300 BCE
Early Dynastic Activity
2900 BCE
Gudea's Reign
c. 2150 BCE
Ur III Administrative Hub
c. 2100 BCE
Decline After Ur Fall
c. 2000 BCE
Inhabitation Until 200 BC
200 BCE
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Storage Structures
Religious and Ritual Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
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