Eridu Ziggurat Ubaid Platform Terrace
Eridu Ziggurat Ubaid Platform Terrace North Annex · Eridu Site
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent·Old Kingdom·🇮🇶 Dhi Qar, Eridu, Iraq
About
About Eridu Ziggurat Ubaid Platform Terrace
Eridu Ziggurat Ubaid Platform Terrace in Dhi Qar, Eridu, 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 30.8160N 45.9960E 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 pyramid for Dhi Qar, Eridu, 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
- 1986 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of Eridu Ziggurat Ubaid Platform Terrace main structure
c. 1926
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1986–2016
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Eridu Ziggurat Ubaid Platform Terrace) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
30.8160° N · 45.9960° E · 262 m · 4 mapped features
Eridu Ziggurat Ubaid Platform Terrace — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
30.8168° N · 45.9969° EEridu Ziggurat Ubaid Platform Terrace — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
30.8150° N · 45.9953° EEridu Ziggurat Ubaid Platform Terrace — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
30.8175° N · 45.9972° EEridu Ziggurat Ubaid Platform Terrace — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
30.8144° N · 45.9949° E