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Tell al-Rimah: Echoes of Ancient Mesopotamia

Explore Tell al-Rimah, an ancient Mesopotamian settlement mound with Babylonian and Assyrian ruins, located near Mosul, Iraq.

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Tell al-Rimah, an ancient settlement mound in Iraq's Nineveh Province, offers a glimpse into Mesopotamia's rich past. Identified as the possible site of the ancient city of Karana or Qattara, this archaeological site reveals layers of Babylonian and Assyrian history through its excavated temple, palace, and the famed Tell al-Rimah stela.

A brief summary to Tell al-Rimah

Local tips

  • Hire a local guide in Mosul for transportation and translation assistance, as English is not widely spoken.
  • Check the security situation before planning your visit and consult with local authorities or travel experts.
  • Dress respectfully, considering the cultural norms of the region.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From central Mosul, a taxi is the most practical way to reach Tell al-Rimah, roughly 80km to the west. Negotiate the fare in advance. Expect to pay around $80-$90 USD for a round trip, including waiting time at the site. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each way.

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Discover more about Tell al-Rimah

Located approximately 80 kilometers west of Mosul, Tell al-Rimah is an archaeological site with historical significance. The site is believed to be the location of the ancient city of Karana (or Qattara), which prospered during the Old Babylonian period. Excavations at Tell al-Rimah, conducted from 1964 to 1971, unearthed a large temple and palace dating back to the early second millennium BC, along with a Neo-Assyrian building. One of the most notable artifacts discovered at Tell al-Rimah is the Tell al-Rimah stela of Adad-nirari III (811 to 783 BC). This stele includes a reference to Jehoash, an early king of Samaria, marking the first cuneiform mention of Samaria by that name. The site reveals insights into the political and religious practices of the time. The excavations also found a large archive of letters from Iltani, daughter of Samu-Addu, a king of Karana during the Old Babylonian period. Today, Tell al-Rimah provides a window into ancient Mesopotamian civilization, attracting history enthusiasts and archaeologists alike. While the site itself may appear as a mound, the artifacts discovered there offer invaluable information about the lives, culture, and governance of the people who once inhabited this region.

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