Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat (1250 B.C.E)

The Chogha Zanbil ziggurat is one of the few ziggurats preserved outside of the Mesopotamian region. Located in the Khuzestan province of Iran, the structure was part of a larger complex. The temple was constructed as tribute to the god Inshushiak. The god was the protector of the city of Susa. The founding of Chogha Zanbil is credited to King Untash-Napirisha. The brick structure is a testament to the engineering of Elamite civilization. The Elamites called it Dur Untash. Elam’s civilization lasted between the years of 3200 to 539 B.C.E and at its height did extend to Iraq. There could have been more ziggurats in Iran. Though there are is not enough evidence to reach such a conclusion. The Elamites did make contact with Sumerians and other in the Near East. Their language was preserved in cuneiform script, which indicates possible contacts. Chogha Zanbil shows that religion was a major part of Elamite culture. While there are are preserved buildings and artifacts, their origins remain mysterious. Historians and archeologists are not sure if the Elamites were indigenous or migrated from another part of Asia. The current accepted idea is that the Elamites were peoples indigenous to the Iranian Plateau. Chogha Zanbil was established in 1250 B.C.E, which means is age 3300 years old. More still has to learned about what type of religious ceremonies took place at Chogha Zanbil.