Tepe Gawra, Archaeological site near Mosul, Iraq.
Tepe Gawra is a settlement mound located east of the Tigris River, measuring approximately 120 meters across and rising about 22 meters above the surrounding land. The mound contains remains of multiple occupational layers stacked on top of each other, each representing a different period of settlement.
The location was originally settled thousands of years ago and shows evidence of repeated occupation spanning long periods. Early twentieth-century excavations revealed many layers that document the lives of different ancient communities across successive eras.
The people who lived here used various burial practices, placing the deceased in graves, urns, or tomb chambers carved into the ground. These burial sites contained carved ivory combs and gold objects, revealing how ancient residents honored their dead and valued craftsmanship.
The mound is visible and accessible from the outside, though the terrain is uneven with multiple rises that require careful climbing. Sturdy footwear is recommended, and it is wise to check with local authorities about current access conditions and safety requirements before visiting.
The site contains some of the earliest gold objects found in the Near East, dating back to the third millennium before the common era. These precious finds suggest that residents had mastered gold working and participated in trade networks far earlier than previously understood.
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