Uruk Buried Eanna Precinct Limestone Temple Foundation
Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age (4500–2000 BCE)·Chalcolithic–EBA·🇮🇶 Muthanna, Uruk, Iraq
About
About Uruk Buried Eanna Precinct Limestone Temple Foundation
Uruk Buried Eanna Precinct Limestone Temple Foundation in Muthanna, Uruk, 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 31.3220N 45.6350E controls access to Muthanna 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 Muthanna, Uruk, 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
- 1987 survey
- Excavation
- Buried
c. 3800 BCE initial, major 2600 BCE
Initial construction of Uruk Buried Eanna Precinct Limestone Temple Foundation main structure
c. 1927
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1987–2017
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Uruk Buried Eanna Precinct Limestone Temple Foundation) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
31.3220° N · 45.6350° E · 269 m · 3 mapped features
- Uruk Buried Eanna Precinct Limestone Temple Foundation — Main StructurestructurePrincipal tell — Mound 220 × 180 m with diagnostic masonry/panel31.3228° N · 45.6359° E
- Uruk Buried Eanna Precinct Limestone Temple Foundation — Ancillary ComplexcomplexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature31.3210° N · 45.6343° E
- Uruk Buried Eanna Precinct Limestone Temple Foundation — Peripheral FeatureoutlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial31.3235° N · 45.6362° E
Gallery