Chogha Zanbil — Middle Court Ancillary (Elamite Ziggurat)
چغازنبيل · Chogha Middle Court
Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE)·Multi-period temple culture·🇮🇷 Khuzestan, Shush, Chogha Zanbil, Iran
About
About Chogha Zanbil — Middle Court Ancillary (Elamite Ziggurat)
Chogha Zanbil — Middle Court Ancillary (Elamite Ziggurat) in Khuzestan, Shush, Chogha Zanbil, Iran is a Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE) temple complex attributed to Multi-period temple culture. Systematic survey and coring document radiocarbon sequence. The site includes a principal necropolis and workshop area. Dimensions temple 32 m × 18 m; court 45 m × 30 m; area 9.6 ha. Excavation excavated; condition ruins. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Multi-period temple culture temple-complex with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 80 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
- 02Relation to regional network
Theories
- 01Ritual landscape model
- 02Elite residence hypothesis
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. 1500 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE)
- Culture
- Multi-period temple culture
- Purpose
- Temple and sanctuary complex
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 1500 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 1049 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1950
Modern rediscovery and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
32.0000° N · 48.5200° E · 80 m · 3 mapped features
Main Temple Cella
cellaMain Temple Cella at Chogha Zanbil — Middle Court Ancillary (Elamite Ziggurat) — cella with stratified deposits
31.9989° N · 48.5216° ENorth Court Ancillary
courtNorth Court Ancillary at Chogha Zanbil — Middle Court Ancillary (Elamite Ziggurat) — court with stratified deposits
32.0020° N · 48.5185° EPylon Gate
pylonPylon Gate at Chogha Zanbil — Middle Court Ancillary (Elamite Ziggurat) — pylon with stratified deposits
32.0012° N · 48.5206° E