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Abu Salabikh: Echoes of Sumerian Civilization

Explore Abu Salabikh: Uncover the remains of an ancient Sumerian city and its cultural connections to Mesopotamia's great urban centers.

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Abu Salabikh, located in Iraq's Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate, is an ancient Sumerian city dating back to the Neolithic period through the late 3rd millennium BC. The site offers a glimpse into early Mesopotamian life, revealing a planned city with connections to major urban centers like Kish, Mari, and Ebla.

A brief summary to Abu Salabikh

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

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and have a more peaceful experience.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to gain 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, Iraq. Travelers coming from Baghdad can drive via the highway, a journey that typically takes around 2 hours. From Baghdad, head south on the main highway towards Al-Diwaniyah. Abu Salabikh is located approximately 20 km northwest of the ancient city of Nippur. Due to the archaeological nature of the site, there are no entrance fees or parking costs.

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Discover more about Abu Salabikh

Abu Salabikh, also known as Tell Abū Ṣalābīkh, is an archaeological site in Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate, Iraq, approximately 150 kilometers southeast of Baghdad. This site marks the location of a small but significant Sumerian city that thrived from the Stone Age to the late 3rd millennium BC. Abu Salabikh had cultural connections to other important cities such as Kish, Mari, and Ebla. The city's original name remains unknown, with Eresh and Kesh among the suggested possibilities. The city was strategically built with a rectilinear plan during the early Uruk period. The Euphrates River served as the city's lifeline, facilitating trade and transportation. However, when the river shifted its course in the late third millennium BC, the city declined. Today, the site consists of three main mounds covering an area of about 900 by 850 meters. The largest mound, the Main Mound, was enclosed by a wall and spans approximately 12 hectares. To the west lies another large mound that was occupied during the Uruk and Jemdet Nasr periods, and south of that is the South Mound, where an Early Dynastic palace was discovered. Archaeological excavations at Abu Salabikh have unearthed valuable insights into early Mesopotamian civilization. American archaeologists first explored the site in the 1960s, followed by a British team from 1975 to 1990. These excavations revealed approximately 500 cuneiform tablets containing some of the earliest known writings. The tablets include school texts, literary works, word lists, and administrative records, providing a comprehensive view of life in the ancient city.

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