Tell es-Sawwan
Iraq

Tell es-Sawwan

Neolithic mound with Samarran culture artifacts

Location

Explore the Map

Historical Context

About

Tell es-Sawwan is a significant Neolithic archaeological site in Saladin Province, Iraq, serving as a type site for the Samarran culture. Situated on a high cliff overlooking the Tigris River, the site encompasses a large oval mound with distinct habitation layers. This site contains evidence of irrigation agriculture, indicative of the settlement's adaptation to unreliable rainfall. Notable features include defensive ditches, large mudbrick houses, granaries, and underfloor graves with terracotta and alabaster statuettes. The presence of fine Samarran ware and marble vessels suggests the settlement's prosperity. Radiocarbon dating places the site in the 6th millennium BCE, highlighting its early and significant role in the development of agriculture and Samarran culture in Mesopotamia.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations

FileAlabaster_jar_with_a_necklace_from_Tell_es-Sawwan_Iraq._6000-5800_BCE._Iraq_Museum.jpg
FileBowl_with_human_bones_from_Tell_es-Sawwan_Iraq_6000-5800_BCE._Iraq_Museum.jpg
FileFemale_figurine_Tell_es_Sawwan_DAO33.jpg
+2 More
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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

Neolithic settlement established

5730 BCE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Storage Structures

Granaries
category

Defensive Structures

Ditches
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Graves
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Human Figurines
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

VillagesHouses
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore

Plan Your Visit

Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information

Reference

Details

Country

Iraq

Coordinates

34.12° N, 43.91° E