The discovery of the Temple of Ningirsu

The discovery of the Temple of Ningirsu was publicly announced on February 17, 2023, alongside the announcement of the discovery of the 4,500-year-old Sumerian palace at Girsu.

These discoveries underscore the significance of Girsu as a major center of Sumerian civilization and highlight the collaborative efforts in preserving and understanding Iraq’s rich cultural heritage.

The uncovering of the Temple of Ningirsu, known as the Eninnu or “White Thunderbird,” at Girsu (modern-day Tello, southern Iraq) is a significant achievement of the Girsu Project, a collaborative initiative involving the British Museum, the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH) of Iraq, and the Getty.
British Museum

Funding and Duration

The Girsu Project commenced in 2015, with initial funding from the UK government through the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, directed by Jonathan Tubb of the British Museum’s Middle East Department. In January 2021, the project received a substantial grant from the Getty, facilitating an initial three-year period of activity focused on archaeological research, training, conservation, and heritage management at Girsu.
Archaeopress

Organizers and Participants

The project is led by the British Museum, with Dr. Sebastien Rey serving as the Project Director and Curator for Ancient Mesopotamia. Key partners include the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH) of Iraq, contributing Iraqi archaeologists and conservators, and the Getty, providing financial support and collaboration on heritage preservation strategies.
British Museum

Location

The Temple of Ningirsu was uncovered in the sacred precinct of Girsu, known as the Urukug, situated in the Dhi Qar Governorate of southern Iraq. Girsu was a prominent city in the Sumerian civilization, serving as a political and religious center during the third millennium BCE.
Archaeology Wiki

Announcement Date

The discovery of the Temple of Ningirsu was publicly announced on February 17, 2023, alongside the announcement of the discovery of the 4,500-year-old Sumerian palace at Girsu.
British Museum

These discoveries underscore the significance of Girsu as a major center of Sumerian civilization and highlight the collaborative efforts in preserving and understanding Iraq’s rich cultural heritage.