The Gem of Mesopotamia: Chogha Zanbil
Built in honor of the mighty Sumerian god, Inshushinak, the ziggurat at Chogha Zanbil is the greatest of a vast number of temples, in the ancient city that dates back to circa 1250 BC. The square building dedicated to Inshushinak was initially by itself, until the four floors were added onto it. The entire area of the ziggurat houses eleven temples, all meant for smaller gods. Legend has it that there were plans for the construction of twenty-two temples, which was halted due to the king’s death. This age-old site was recognized by UNESCO as Iran’s first World Heritage Site in 1979. Come along with goingIRAN to learn and discover more about this attraction!
Surrounding the marvelous ancient ziggurat and temples are a number of royal palaces and a funerary palace. The latter is the resting place of five underground royal tombs. Not all came to a halt or stayed dead in this ancient city. Following Untash-Napirisha’s, the king, passing the city continued to be occupied until it was destroyed by the Assyrian king in 640 BC. Scholars believe that the high number of temples and sanctuaries are an indication that Untash-Napirisha was trying to birth a new religious center. It was thought that the new center would take the place of Susa and unite all gods of Elam.
The most important buildings here were adorned with many thousands of baked bricks that held Elamite cuneiform inscriptions. Baked glazed bull statues stood fiercely guarding the ziggurat entrances. Seeing this antiquated destination, for yourself, is truly eye opening. Don’t miss out on witnessing over three millennia of life, culture and history!
City/Town: Shush
Address: Hafttappeh Museum, Shush, Khuzestan (42 km. south-southeast of Dezfoul)
Operating Days: Everyday