In February 2015 a joint archaeological expedition of Rome Sapienza University and Perugia University started the excavations of the site of Tell Surghul, in the Dhi-Qar, Iraq. The site, briefly investigated by R. Koldewey, has been identified with the Sumerian city of Nigin, the third city of the State of Lagash, quoted in many inscriptions of King Gudea as the place of the main III millennium BC temple of the goddess Nanshe, the Sirara. The first survey and excavations of two areas in 2015, located close to the two mounds (A and B) still visible on the site, points to date back the foundation of the city at least in the Ubaid 4 Period. In fact, in Area B, a large mud-brick structure dated to this period has been discovered. Some materials collected in the first campaign suggest a sacred function of the building. In Area A, close to the southern side of the main mound, located in the center of the site, another building has been discovered. In the two archaeological phases recognized in the area many vessels date back to the Late Uruk-Jemdet Nasr periods. The building, of which till now just one room has been excavated, seems to be related to a storage function.
Nadali, D., Polcaro, A., The Early Stages of the Sumerian City at Tell Zurghul: New Results from Recent Excavations, in Origini 39, 2016: 75-100.
Andrea Polcaro;
2016
Abstract
In February 2015 a joint archaeological expedition of Rome Sapienza University and Perugia University started the excavations of the site of Tell Surghul, in the Dhi-Qar, Iraq. The site, briefly investigated by R. Koldewey, has been identified with the Sumerian city of Nigin, the third city of the State of Lagash, quoted in many inscriptions of King Gudea as the place of the main III millennium BC temple of the goddess Nanshe, the Sirara. The first survey and excavations of two areas in 2015, located close to the two mounds (A and B) still visible on the site, points to date back the foundation of the city at least in the Ubaid 4 Period. In fact, in Area B, a large mud-brick structure dated to this period has been discovered. Some materials collected in the first campaign suggest a sacred function of the building. In Area A, close to the southern side of the main mound, located in the center of the site, another building has been discovered. In the two archaeological phases recognized in the area many vessels date back to the Late Uruk-Jemdet Nasr periods. The building, of which till now just one room has been excavated, seems to be related to a storage function.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
