Tchogha Zanbil (#113)
The living memory of the ancient Elamite civilization is best represented in the remains of Tchogha Zanbil or the city of Untash, founded 1275-1240 BC. The “sacred city” consisted of three concentric walls, as a means of protection, with a five-storey Ziggurat rising in the center of the ensemble. This mudbrick Ziggurat was topped with a temple and was dedicated to the Elamite divinities, Inshushinak and Napirisha. It is estimated that only half of the previous structure’s height has sustained to this day, 24.75 meters. The historical ensemble of Tchogha Zanbil has provided important information regarding the architectural techniques used by Elamites and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.