Warka (Ruins)
Country: Iraq
Region: Middle East
Period: ~ 2900-2700BCE
Location: 31.324167°N, 45.637222°E
Description
Warka, known in antiquity as Uruk, is one of the oldest and most significant archaeological sites in the world. Located in present-day southern Iraq, near the Euphrates River, it was a bustling Sumerian city around 2900–2700 BCE. This city is famously associated with the legendary King Gilgamesh, featured in the world's earliest literary work, The Epic of Gilgamesh. The site's dry, open desert landscape still conceals incredible remains of this once-great urban center.
Modern Remains
Visitors today can see large mudbrick structures, remnants of the once-grand ziggurats and temples. Notable among these is the Anu Ziggurat and the White Temple, which date back over 5,000 years. Excavations have uncovered ancient tablets, city walls, and layout plans that give insight into early urban planning. Though many artifacts are now housed in museums, the on-site ruins remain an awe-inspiring glimpse into the past. Guided tours often include panoramic views of the ruins and context from local historians.