Larsa Ziggurat — Tell Senkereh
Ebabbar of Shamash · Tell Senkereh — Larsa · Sankara Ziggurat
Isin-Larsa / Old Babylonian (2025–1763 BCE)·Amorite / Sumerian continuity (Larsa dynasty)·🇮🇶 Dhi Qar Governorate, Tell as-Senkereh (ancient Larsa), Iraq
About
About Larsa Ziggurat — Tell Senkereh
Larsa Ziggurat — Tell Senkereh in Dhi Qar Governorate, Tell as-Senkereh (ancient Larsa), Iraq is a Isin-Larsa / Old Babylonian (2025–1763 BCE) pyramid/mound site attributed to Amorite / Sumerian continuity (Larsa dynasty) 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 Amorite / Sumerian continuity (Larsa dynasty) 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.2025–1763 BCE (Isin-Larsa period)
- Period
- Isin-Larsa / Old Babylonian (2025–1763 BCE)
- Culture
- Amorite / Sumerian continuity (Larsa dynasty)
- Purpose
- Pyramidal mound / tellsite — Amorite / Sumerian continuity (Larsa dynasty) settlement with monumental platform, controlling regional trade and irrigation
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.2025–1763 BCE (Isin-Larsa period)
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
31.2858° N · 45.8536° E · 15 m · 3 mapped features
Larsa Ziggurat — Tell Senkereh — Citadel/platform mound
pyramidMain high mound/platform with mudbrick terraces and retaining walls — central pyramid/mound
31.2861° N · 45.8539° ELarsa Ziggurat — Tell Senkereh — Lower town/lower mound
settlementLower settlement sprawl with streets, drains and domestic quarters at foot of main mound
31.2850° N · 45.8531° ELarsa Ziggurat — Tell Senkereh — Temple/granary complex
templeCult or storage complex on platform summit — plastered hall with podium and drainage
31.2863° N · 45.8532° E