Ziggurat of Ur
Great Ziggurat of Ur · E-temen-ni-gur · Zigurat de Ur
Ur III (Neo-Sumerian) 2112–2094 BCE core; Old Babylonian veneer·Sumerian (Ur III)·🇮🇶 Dhi Qar Governorate, Tell el-Muqayyar, Iraq
About
About Ziggurat of Ur
Best preserved neo-Sumerian ziggurat: three-stage mudbrick massif 62.5 × 43 m base, 30 m high (reconstructed), built by Ur-Nammu (2112–2095 BCE) and Shulgi for moon god Nanna (Sîn), with three converging staircases meeting at gate. Facade partially reconstructed by Woolley 1920s and Saddam 1990s. Core of Ur sacred precinct with Royal Tombs and Gipar.
Why it mattersArchetype of Mesopotamian ziggurat; illustrates Third Dynasty of Ur state religion and hydraulic urbanism at Euphrates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Fourth stage existence (textual vs structural)
Theories
- 01Astronomical alignment to lunar standstill; tri-stair symbolizes mountain of heaven
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. 2112–2094 BCE (Ur-Nammu, completed Shulgi)
- Period
- Ur III (Neo-Sumerian) 2112–2094 BCE core; Old Babylonian veneer
- Culture
- Sumerian (Ur III)
- Purpose
- Temple platform for Nanna / Sîn moon cult – stairway to heaven
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 2112–2094 BCE (Ur-Nammu, completed Shulgi)
Initial construction
c. 1500 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
30.9628° N · 46.1031° E · 12 m · 3 mapped features
Triple staircase north face
staircaseThree converging staircases meeting at portal
30.9628° N · 46.1029° ENanna Temple summit
templeShrine of Nanna on third terrace (reconstructed)
30.9629° N · 46.1031° ERoyal Tombs of Ur pit
tombPG800 and Puabi graves 100 m southeast
30.9630° N · 46.1025° E
Gallery