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Introduction
Urkesh was a venerable religious center of the Hurrians.
Since prehistoric times, it was the seat of Kumarbi, the father of the Hurrian gods. It seems certain that a temple was erected to him, in Urkesh, as far back as the fourth millennium.
The first temple we have actually found, dates to about 2400 B.C. It was built at the top of a substantial artificial terrace, more than 20 m above the plain level.
A little later, around 2300, king Tupkish built a royal Palace that was linked to the Temple Terrace by a wide Plaza. This formed a monumental urban complex, which is remarkably well preserved.
Back to top: The Monumental Urban Complex
Reconstruction
An architectural drawing projects the visual image of what we expect the buildings to have looked like.
Back to top: The Monumental Urban Complex
Excavated areas
The actual area of excavation is still limited.
It is, however, sufficient to serve as a guide for the reconstruction we propose.
While the details of the architecture will certainly have to be modified, we feel confident about the broad outline of the general picture.
Back to top: The Monumental Urban Complex