What is Chogha-Zanbil?

Chogha-Zanbil is an ancient Elamite temple complex in Khuzestan, Iran dating to c. 1250 BCE and dedicated to all the gods of the region.

Who built Chogha-Zanbil?

Chogha-Zanbil was built under the reign of the Elamite king Untash-Napirisha (c 1275-1240 BCE).

When was Chogha-Zanbil built?

Chogha-Zanbil was built in c. 1250 BCE.

What happened to Chogha-Zanbil?

Chogha-Zanbil was abandoned and left unfinished after the death of the Elamite king Untash-Napirisha in 1240 BCE. It remained an important pilgrimage site through 1000 BCE after which it was abandoned and remained forgotten until its discovery in 1935.

Chogha Zanbil

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Definition

Chogha Zanbil (literally “basket mound”) is an ancient Elamite temple complex located in the modern-day province of Khuzestan, Iran. It is also known as Dur-Untash (Fortress/City/Town of Untash), Tchogha Zanbil, and Al Untash Napirisha (“Place of Untash Napirisha”) and features the largest ziggurat in the world outside of Mesopotamia and the best preserved.

More about: Chogha Zanbil

Timeline

c. 1400 BCE - c. 1200 BCE
Era of the Igihalkid Dynasty of the Middle Elamite Period during which the great king Untash Napirisha commissioned the temple complex of Dur Untash (Chogha Zanbil).
c. 1250 BCE
The temple complex Dur Untash (Chogha Zanbil) is built in Elam by the king Untash Napirisha.