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Dub Lal Makh Temple: Echoes of Sumerian Justice

Discover Dub Lal Makh Temple in Dhi Qar: Unearth Sumerian history at this ancient site near the famed Ziggurat of Ur.

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Explore the ruins of Dub Lal Makh, or 'House of the Tablets,' an ancient Sumerian structure near the Ziggurat of Ur. Once a gateway, tablet storehouse, and court of law, it offers a glimpse into Mesopotamia's rich history in Dhi Qar Governorate.

A brief summary to Dub lal makh temple معبد دي لال ماخ

  • X463+XJ, Mahatt Ur, Dhi Qar Governorate, IQ

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, as the site involves exploring ancient ruins.
  • Bring water and sun protection, especially during the hot summer months, as shade is limited.
  • Hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of Dub Lal Makh and the Ziggurat of Ur.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Ziggurat of Ur, Dub Lal Makh Temple is a short walk southeast. Follow the well-trodden path, keeping the Ziggurat to your northwest. The temple ruins are easily visible and accessible within the immediate vicinity of the Ziggurat.

  • Taxi

    From Nasiriyah, a taxi to the Ziggurat of Ur (the closest landmark to the temple) is the most convenient option. Taxis are readily available in the city center. Expect to pay around IQD 5,000 - 8,000 for the trip. From the Ziggurat's entrance, the temple is a short walk away.

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Discover more about Dub lal makh temple معبد دي لال ماخ

Dub Lal Makh, meaning 'House of the Tablets,' stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Mesopotamia. Located southeast of the Ziggurat of Ur in present-day Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq, this historical landmark offers a captivating journey into Sumerian civilization. Originally constructed around the 21st century BCE, during the Third Dynasty of Ur, Dub Lal Makh served multiple functions throughout its long history. Initially, it functioned as a gateway leading to the Ziggurat of Ur-Nammu and a storehouse for tablets, which gives the site its name. Over time, it evolved into a court of law and, later, a shrine, while still retaining its judicial function. The structure was destroyed by the Elamites at the end of the Third Dynasty and subsequently restored during the Isin-Larsa/Old Babylonian period (circa 1894-1595 BCE). Archaeological excavations reveal a building measuring approximately 47x47 meters, containing chambers and passageways. Inscriptions refer to the building as the Ga-Nun-Makh, or 'the lofty storehouse,' suggesting its role as a treasury for religious, ritualistic, and cultic items. Discoveries include a duck weight inscribed with King Shu-Sin's name, likely used for measuring incoming commodities. During the Kassite or Neo-Babylonian periods, a wide courtyard and new rooms were added, and the building was reinterpreted as a temple, the E-Nun-Makh. Exploring Dub Lal Makh provides a tangible connection to the sophisticated society that once thrived in this region.

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