Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat — Elam
Dur-Untash Ziggurat · Elamite Chogha Zanbil · Inshushinak Ziggurat
Elamite, Middle Elamite period (1250–640 BCE)·Elamite (Middle Elamite)·🇮🇷 Khuzestan Province, Chogha Zanbil (ancient Dur-Untash), Iran
About
About Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat — Elam
Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat — Elam in Khuzestan Province, Chogha Zanbil (ancient Dur-Untash), Iran is a Elamite, Middle Elamite period (1250–640 BCE) pyramid/mound site attributed to Elamite (Middle Elamite) culture. The tell/mound rises markedly above the plain, with stratified mudbrick and burnt levels documenting successive rebuilds. Excavations reveal early planning, drainage and cult installations. Comprehensive stratigraphy and published sections allow detailed phasing. Systematic survey, magnetometry and radiocarbon provide chronology.
Why it mattersKey Elamite (Middle Elamite) mound/pyramid informing urbanism and monumentality debate; long stratigraphy anchors regional chronology; type-site for local ceramic sequence.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of earliest level — radiocarbon vs ceramic seriation unresolved
- 02Function of platform — defense vs ritual vs flood refuge debated
Theories
- 01Urban genesis — mound as autonomous centre vs secondary foundation
- 02Hydraulic hypothesis — platform responding to irrigation and flood control
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.1250 BCE (Middle Elamite, Untash-Napirisha)
- Period
- Elamite, Middle Elamite period (1250–640 BCE)
- Culture
- Elamite (Middle Elamite)
- Purpose
- Pyramidal mound / tellsite — Elamite (Middle Elamite) settlement with monumental platform, controlling regional trade and irrigation
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.1250 BCE (Middle Elamite, Untash-Napirisha)
Initial major platform/tell settlement founded
c.2000 BCE
Peak occupation with citadel and lower town
1900
Early antiquarian soundings
1950–80
Modern stratigraphic excavations establish sequence
On the ground
Structures & features
32.0083° N · 48.5208° E · 82 m · 3 mapped features
Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat — Elam — Citadel/platform mound
pyramidMain high mound/platform with mudbrick terraces and retaining walls — central pyramid/mound
32.0086° N · 48.5211° EChogha Zanbil Ziggurat — Elam — Lower town/lower mound
settlementLower settlement sprawl with streets, drains and domestic quarters at foot of main mound
32.0075° N · 48.5203° EChogha Zanbil Ziggurat — Elam — Temple/granary complex
templeCult or storage complex on platform summit — plastered hall with podium and drainage
32.0088° N · 48.5204° E