Khafajah, Archaeological site in Diyala Governorate, Iraq.
Khafajah is an archaeological site comprising multiple mounds that contain the remains of temples, administrative buildings, and residential structures from various periods of Mesopotamian history. The buildings span from approximately 3100 to 1750 BC, revealing how societies developed and changed over centuries.
The site was excavated by archaeologists from the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago beginning in the 1930s, revealing layers of occupation spanning roughly 1350 years. The digs demonstrated how different cultures and rulers controlled the region over successive periods.
The temples served as centers for religious worship and economic activity. People came to make offerings and conduct trade, as shown by the numerous clay tablets discovered within.
The remains are distributed across four main mounds, with the largest containing the principal temple and administrative areas that are easily visible. Wear sturdy shoes and allow time to walk between the different sections of the site.
Among the clay tablets found, some contain administrative records showing how people conducted trade and managed their property. These everyday documents provide a vivid picture of economic life nearly 4000 years ago.
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