Tell ‘Uqayr, Archaeological tell in Babylon Governorate, Iraq
Tell 'Uqayr is an archaeological tell in Babylon Governorate comprising two connected mounds separated by an ancient watercourse. Excavations have revealed temple ruins with painted decoration, early written records on clay, and numerous pottery vessels along with personal ornaments and household items.
The site shows continuous occupation spanning from the earliest settlement periods through to the final Babylonian era, with successive layers revealing how different peoples lived there over time. Each phase left its own mark through changes in building techniques, pottery styles, and the objects people used daily.
The site served as a center for religious practice across multiple periods, as evidenced by temple structures and ritual objects that reveal how worship evolved over time. The remains show that communities maintained their spiritual traditions while adapting to changes in the region.
The site is set in flat terrain and can be easily navigated, though you will want time to explore both mounds and observe their different features. Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the location offers little natural shade for breaks.
Researchers found early clay tokens and counting marks at this location that rank among the oldest known forms of human record-keeping. These discoveries show how people began to document numbers and ideas before written language itself was developed.
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