Ashur Temple of Ashur Cella
Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional·Classical·🇮🇶 Salah ad-Din, Qal'at Sherqat, Iraq
About
About Ashur Temple of Ashur Cella
Ashur Temple of Ashur Cella in Salah ad-Din, Qal'at Sherqat, Iraq is a Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional temple complex attributed to Classical. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal sanctuary 80 × 55 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 35.4560N 43.2620E controls access to Salah ad-Din resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey temple complex for Salah ad-Din, Qal'at Sherqat, illustrating Classical construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 450 BCE–100 CE
- Period
- Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional
- Culture
- Classical
- Purpose
- Sanctuary and ceremonial centre for state cult
- Rediscovered
- 1991 survey
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 450 BCE–100 CE
Initial construction of Ashur Temple of Ashur Cella main structure
c. 1931
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1991–2006
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Ashur Temple of Ashur Cella) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
35.4560° N · 43.2620° E · 297 m · 3 mapped features
Ashur Temple of Ashur Cella — Main Structure
structurePrincipal temple complex — Sanctuary 80 × 55 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
35.4568° N · 43.2629° EAshur Temple of Ashur Cella — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
35.4550° N · 43.2613° EAshur Temple of Ashur Cella — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
35.4575° N · 43.2632° E