Idu (city)

Idu, also known as Idum or Sātu Qalā, was an ancient town located in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, primarily occupied during the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age. Archaeological evidence, such as pottery fragments, inscribed bricks, and a cylinder seal, highlights its significance as the capital of Idu province during the Middle Assyrian period in the later half of the 2nd millennium BCE. Following the decline of the Middle Assyrian Empire, Idu gained independence and later became part of several empires, including the Neo-Assyrian, Achaemenid, Seleucid, Parthian, and Sassanian empires. Excavations revealed a main mound with a palace site and numerous inscribed bricks, indicating its historical importance. The site remained occupied until the Middle Islamic period, showcasing its long-standing significance in Near Eastern history.