Eridu Buried Temple XVII Platform
Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age (4500–2000 BCE)·Chalcolithic–EBA·🇮🇶 Dhi Qar, Eridu, Iraq
About
About Eridu Buried Temple XVII Platform
Eridu Buried Temple XVII Platform in Dhi Qar, Eridu, Iraq is a Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age (4500–2000 BCE) tell attributed to Chalcolithic–EBA. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal mound 220 × 180 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 30.8160N 45.9970E controls access to Dhi Qar resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey tell for Dhi Qar, Eridu, illustrating Chalcolithic–EBA construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
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. 3800 BCE initial, major 2600 BCE
- Period
- Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age (4500–2000 BCE)
- Culture
- Chalcolithic–EBA
- Purpose
- Multi-period settlement mound with stratified urban sequence
- Rediscovered
- 1989 survey
- Excavation
- Buried
c. 3800 BCE initial, major 2600 BCE
Initial construction of Eridu Buried Temple XVII Platform main structure
c. 1929
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1989–2019
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Eridu Buried Temple XVII Platform) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
30.8160° N · 45.9970° E · 283 m · 3 mapped features
Eridu Buried Temple XVII Platform — Main Structure
structurePrincipal tell — Mound 220 × 180 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
30.8168° N · 45.9979° EEridu Buried Temple XVII Platform — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
30.8150° N · 45.9963° EEridu Buried Temple XVII Platform — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
30.8175° N · 45.9982° E