Tell el-'Oueili, Archaeological mound in Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq
Tell el-'Oueili is an archaeological mound in southern Mesopotamia, located about 3.5 kilometers from the ancient city of Larsa. The mound rises roughly 5 meters above the surrounding plains and spans about 200 meters in diameter.
French archaeologists conducted systematic excavations from 1976 to 1989, uncovering multiple settlement layers at the site. These layers are older than the occupation of nearby Eridu, making it key to understanding early Mesopotamian development.
The site shows how early communities settled here and began shaping their surroundings through farming. The discoveries reveal people who started growing crops and raising animals rather than simply hunting and gathering.
The site sits in a dry region with extreme heat in summer and minimal rainfall throughout the year. Visitors should prepare for hot conditions and bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Excavations at this location revealed an early phase of development called Ubaid 0, dating from 6500 to 5400 BCE. This phase became a reference point for scholars studying the early progression of Mesopotamian civilization.
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