Larsa
𒌓𒀕𒆠 (UD.UNUKI) · Tell Senkereh · Tell es-Senkereh · Kisura
Early Dynastic to Old Babylonian·Sumerian/Amorite Larsa dynasty·🇮🇶 Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq
About
About Larsa
Sumerian city-state that dominated southern Mesopotamia under King Rim-Sin (1822–1763 BCE) controlling 10–15 cities before Hammurapi annexed it, making Babylon supreme. Massive mudbrick city (400 ha) with Ebabbar sun-temple of Shamash, Parrot's 1933 ziggurat, and a canal-linked harbor. Stele of Hammurapi aftermath tablets document Isin-Larsa fall.
Why it mattersIsin-Larsa climax; Shamash justice tradition pre-Hammurapi; Babylon rise.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Canal harbor at desert city
- 02Rim-Sin's 60-year reign logistics
Theories
- 01Amorite tribal confederation model
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.2700–1763 BCE (ED to Rim-Sin)
- Period
- Early Dynastic to Old Babylonian
- Culture
- Sumerian/Amorite Larsa dynasty
- Builders
- Naplanum to Rim-Sin I
- Purpose
- Amorite capital and Shamash cult center
- Abandoned
- c.1763 BCE (Babylon annexation) then Kassite lingering
- Rediscovered
- 1850 Loftus; 1933 Parrot; French renewals
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
1822
Rim-Sin conquest of Isin
1763
Hammurapi takes Larsa (yr 10)
On the ground
Structures & features
31.2850° N · 45.8530° E · 8 m · 3 mapped features
Ebabbar — Temple of Shamash
templeSun-god temple with ziggurat
31.2855° N · 45.8535° EPalace of Nur-Adad
palaceAmorite royal palace
31.2845° N · 45.8525° ECity wall and canal harbor
wall4 km wall with harbor basin
31.2860° N · 45.8540° E