Assur, Archaeological site in Saladin Governorate, Iraq

Assur, also called Qal'at Sherqat, lies on a south-facing spur above the west bank of the Tigris in Saladin Governorate, Iraq. Its triangular layout places public buildings, including the palace and the temples of Ashur, Anu, Adad, Sin, Shamash and Ishtar, on the higher northern ground. A large eroded earthen mound and a long mud-brick wall stand among the ruins.

Assur was founded by the Early Dynastic I period, with radiocarbon dates from the Ishtar temple pointing to around 2900–2700 BCE. It later served as the capital of the Middle and Neo-Assyrian Empires, and occupation lasted until the city was sacked by the Sasanian Empire in the mid-3rd century AD.

The city takes its name from the supreme deity worshipped throughout its history, whose presence shaped every corner of daily life. Visitors today can trace the foundations of sanctuaries where priests performed rituals and offerings, while merchants and craftsmen conducted their trades in the surrounding quarters.

The site lies on a south-facing spur above the west bank of the Tigris, 65 km south of Nimrud and 100 km south of Nineveh, in the al-Shirqat District. The northern, higher part holds the palace and temple ruins; the lower ground is dusty and strewn with loose stones. The site was placed on the World Heritage in Danger list in 2003 because of a proposed dam.

German archaeologists recovered thousands of inscribed clay tablets from the ground, which later helped scholars decipher cuneiform script. A special chamber within the defensive circuit allowed soldiers to exit the walls unseen and surprise attackers from behind.