Aqar Quf Ziggurat Dur-Kurigalzu Core Brick
Aqar Quf Ziggurat Dur-Kurigalzu Core Brick North Annex · Aqar Site
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent·Old Kingdom·🇮🇶 Baghdad, Aqar Quf, Iraq
About
About Aqar Quf Ziggurat Dur-Kurigalzu Core Brick
Aqar Quf Ziggurat Dur-Kurigalzu Core Brick in Baghdad, Aqar Quf, Iraq is a Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent pyramid attributed to Old Kingdom. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal base 95 × 95 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 33.3530N 44.2010E controls access to Baghdad resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey pyramid for Baghdad, Aqar Quf, illustrating Old Kingdom construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction logistics and labour organisation
- 02Astronomical orientation method
Theories
- 01Royal tomb with cult temple axis
- 02Experimental step before true pyramid
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. 2600–2500 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent
- Culture
- Old Kingdom
- Purpose
- Royal tomb and ceremonial platform embodying cosmology
- Rediscovered
- 1988 survey
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of Aqar Quf Ziggurat Dur-Kurigalzu Core Brick main structure
c. 1928
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1988–2018
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Aqar Quf Ziggurat Dur-Kurigalzu Core Brick) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
33.3530° N · 44.2010° E · 276 m · 4 mapped features
Aqar Quf Ziggurat Dur-Kurigalzu Core Brick — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
33.3538° N · 44.2019° EAqar Quf Ziggurat Dur-Kurigalzu Core Brick — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
33.3520° N · 44.2003° EAqar Quf Ziggurat Dur-Kurigalzu Core Brick — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
33.3545° N · 44.2022° EAqar Quf Ziggurat Dur-Kurigalzu Core Brick — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
33.3514° N · 44.1999° E