Tell Aqab

Tell Aqab is an archaeological site in northeastern Syria, situated roughly 6 kilometers south of Amuda near the Khabur River. The location contains multiple layers of ancient settlement remains stacked on top of each other, revealing how people lived and built in this area across different time periods.

The settlement began during the early Halaf period around 6000 BCE and remained continuously inhabited for roughly 2200 years. It was abandoned around 3800 BCE, reflecting significant changes in how people organized their lives in this region.

The discovery of Mediterranean marine shells, including Nassarius circumcinctus and Calliostoma zizyphinum, demonstrates extensive trade networks with distant coastal regions.

The site is remote and can be challenging to reach, so visitors should prepare ahead and allow plenty of time for travel. A visit requires sturdy shoes and sun protection since the ground is flat and exposed to the elements.

Excavated objects reveal valuable connections between this inland area and distant coastal regions through the discovery of Mediterranean shells. These items show that ancient trade routes reached this remote location.