Ziggurat of Chogha Zanbil
Dur Untash · Tchogha Zanbil · Choqa Zanbīl
Elamite Middle Elamite (1344–1300 BCE)·Elamite (Middle Elamite)·🇮🇷 Khuzestan Province, Susa Plain, Iran
About
About Ziggurat of Chogha Zanbil
Largest Mesopotamian-related ziggurat outside Mesopotamia: Elamite holy city Dur-Untash by King Untash-Napirisha (1344–1306 BCE) for god Inshushinak. Originally step-pyramid core 5 stages 53.5 m high, encased as 105 × 105 m square ziggurat 53 m high (now 25 m, 5 stages preserved) with 4 entrances and inscribed bricks (7km wall). Built by Elamite brick vault without arches; abandoned after Assyrian sack by Ashurbanipal 640 BCE, excavated by de Mecquenem and Ghirshman 1951–61. First Iranian WHS 1979.
Why it mattersBest preserved Elamite city illustrating Mesopotamian diffusion to Iranian plateau.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Second storey temple function
Theories
- 01Elamite synthesis of Sumero-Akkadian and highland traditions; political legitimation via Mesopotamian-style monument
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. 1344–1300 BCE (Untash-Napirisha)
- Period
- Elamite Middle Elamite (1344–1300 BCE)
- Culture
- Elamite (Middle Elamite)
- Purpose
- Elamite religious capital ziggurat to Inshushinak (and Napirisha) syncretizing Sumerian gods
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 1344–1300 BCE (Untash-Napirisha)
Initial construction
c. 1138 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
32.0083° N · 48.5208° E · 75 m · 3 mapped features
Ziggurat core 5 stages
ziggurat5-stage massif 105m square
32.0084° N · 48.5209° ETemple of Inshushinak atop
templeHigh temple northeast corner summit
32.0085° N · 48.5210° ERoyal tombs vaults within complex
tombVaulted tombs within sacred enclosure
32.0080° N · 48.5205° E
Gallery