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Abu Salabikh: Echoes of Sumerian Civilization

Unearth the past at Abu Salabikh, an ancient Sumerian city with cuneiform texts and Neolithic roots, located in Iraq's Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate.

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Explore the ancient Sumerian city of Abu Salabikh in Iraq's Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate, a significant archaeological site with connections to Kish, Mari, and Ebla. Discover cuneiform tablets and remnants of a civilization that thrived from the Neolithic period to the late 3rd millennium BC.

A brief summary to Abu Salabikh

  • 733R+RVP, Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate, IQ

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy a quieter experience.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights into the site's historical significance.
  • Bring water and snacks, as amenities on-site may be limited.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven.
  • Respect the site by not touching artifacts or climbing on ruins.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Abu Salabikh is located in Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate, approximately 150 km southeast of Baghdad. From Baghdad, take the primary roadways heading south towards Al-Diwaniyah. Once in Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate, follow local road signs towards Abu Salabikh. The site is located about 20 km northwest of the ancient city of Nippur. Be aware that road conditions can vary, and it's advisable to check with local authorities for the most up-to-date information. Due to the site's remote location, taxi or ride-sharing services might be limited. It is best to arrange transportation in advance from a major city like Baghdad or Al-Diwaniyah. Driving is the most practical option. Expect the drive from Baghdad to take approximately 2-3 hours. There are no tolls on this route. Parking is available on-site, and it is free.

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Discover more about Abu Salabikh

Abu Salabikh, also known as Tell Abū Ṣalābīkh, is an ancient Sumerian city located approximately 150 kilometers southeast of Baghdad, in the Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate of Iraq. This archaeological site marks the location of a small but significant city that existed from the Neolithic period through the late 3rd millennium BC. Abu Salabikh had cultural connections to major cities such as Kish, Mari, and Ebla. The city's original name remains unknown, with Eresh and Kesh among the suggested possibilities. Abu Salabikh was strategically built during the early Uruk period, with the Euphrates River serving as its primary highway and lifeline. The city's prosperity dwindled when the river shifted its course in the late third millennium BC. Today, only eroded traces of the city remain on the surface. Archaeological excavations at Abu Salabikh have revealed valuable insights into early Mesopotamian history. American archaeologists first explored the site in 1963 and 1965, discovering that its ancient remains were close to the surface due to its location in a salty marsh. These expeditions unearthed approximately 500 clay tablets and fragments containing some of the earliest known ancient writings. Later, a British team continued excavations from 1975 to 1990, further enriching our understanding of this ancient city. The city's layout followed a rectilinear plan, and the recovered cuneiform texts, stored in the Iraq Museum in Baghdad, offer a glimpse into the daily life of its inhabitants. These texts include school texts, literary works, word lists, and administrative records.

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