Cybernetica Mesopotamica
Urkesh Global Record

A14
The lower sacral area

Seasons 14 (2001) and 17 (2004)


Version 1a (2024 – Beta release)

Giorgio Buccellati
James L. Walker

A14
A14 is the lower ritual area. It is situated in front of the necromantic structure (the ābi), alongside the southern edge of Palace AP. It probably combines three important aspects of the urban layout of ancient Urkesh: transition and access to the nekromanteion, to the Palace and to the upper sacral area with the Plaza, the Terrace and the Temple. It probably also served as a ritual (and urbanistic) counterpart to the great High Temple BA, which may have been dedicated to a chthonic deity, closely related to those of the Netherworld that were being summoned in the ābi rituals.