Ziggurat of Ur

The Ziggurat of Ur is a massive stepped platform of mud brick raised in the third millennium BC as the temple base of the moon god in the Sumerian city of Ur. Partly reconstructed in the twentieth century, its lower stage and monumental triple staircase rise sharply from the desert plain, suggesting the terraced tower that once stood above. It ranks among the best-preserved structures of ancient Mesopotamia. Visitors can climb the restored steps to survey the ruined city and one of civilization's earliest monuments.