Tell Brak

Tell Brak is a large archaeological mound in the al-Hasakah Governorate of northeastern Syria, covering roughly 300 hectares. The central portion rises around 40 meters (130 feet) above the flat plain and shows layers of human settlement from different ages.

People settled here around 6500 BC and built a small village over the centuries. By 4200 BC the place had grown into a city with thousands of inhabitants, long before other centers in Mesopotamia emerged.

The name derives from the Arabic word for fleas, which Bedouin people used when describing the site. Visitors today see exposed remains of workshops, tombs, and public buildings that show how people lived and worked thousands of years ago.

The site lies in a remote area, so visitors should prepare for dry conditions and strong sun. Water and sun protection are important, as there is little shade.

Archaeologists found hundreds of small clay figures with painted eyes in what is called the Eye Temple, left as offerings. These idols show a wide variety of forms, some simple and stylized, others with multiple pairs of eyes.

Location: Al-Hasakah Governorate

Website: https://tellbrak.mcdonald.cam.ac.uk

GPS coordinates: 36.66670,41.05830

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:24