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Eridu

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Eridu, located in southern Mesopotamia on the edge of the desert at Tell Abu Shahrein, is revered in Sumerian mythology as the oldest city in the world. According to Sumerian belief, it was the place where kingship first descended from heaven and where human civilization began. The settlement was established during the Ubaid period around 5400 BC as a religious hub dedicated to the god Enki, the lord of fresh waters and wisdom. Archaeological excavations have revealed a remarkable sequence of temples built directly over one another, showing how a small shrine evolved over millennia into a monumental ziggurat. This continuity of sacred architecture at a single site is unparalleled globally. Although the city was eventually abandoned in the 6th century BC due to shifts in the Euphrates' course and soil salinization, its status as the holy primordial city endured until the end of Mesopotamian history.

Location: Iraq
Top sights: Abu Shahrain · Eridu

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	11	14	20	25	32	37	39	39	35	29	19	13
Rain mm	21	12	11	10	4	0	0	0	0	7	17	17

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Eridu is an extremely remote, unprotected archaeological ruin in the desert; visitors can walk among the ancient sand-covered mounds and scattered pottery shards, but there is no formal tourist infrastructure.

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Typical hours

Being an isolated site deep in the desert landscape without any gates or guards, it is technically accessible at any time, but visits must strictly be conducted during broad daylight for safety reasons.

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Photography

Photography is entirely unrestricted across the vast dunes, allowing you to capture the sheer desolation, the subtle outlines of the ancient ziggurat base, and the stark beauty of the Mesopotamian landscape.

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Time needed

Expect to spend around an hour exploring the scattered mounds and reflecting on the immense historical significance of the site, plus the considerable time required for traversing the difficult desert tracks.

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Combine with

A visit to Eridu is most logically combined with an expedition to the much larger and better-preserved nearby ruins of Ur, which feature a heavily restored ziggurat and substantial ancient royal tombs.

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Getting there

Access requires a sturdy four-wheel-drive vehicle and preferably a knowledgeable local guide, as the site lies off the paved roads in the Dhi Qar Governorate and tracks can be notoriously difficult to navigate.

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Insider tip

Due to the harsh environment and total lack of facilities, it is absolutely essential to carry abundant drinking water, extra vehicle fuel, and basic emergency supplies before venturing deep into this desert region.

Geography

Coordinates

30.81580, 45.99610

Facts

Eridu is listed as the first city in the Sumerian King List.
The settlement's foundation dates back to approximately 5400 BC.
The temple of Enki was rebuilt at least 18 times on the exact same spot.
The city was originally located near the shore of the Persian Gulf.
The ruins of the ziggurat remain a prominent desert landmark today.
Eridu is included in the UNESCO World Heritage site 'The Ahwar of Southern Iraq'.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ziggurat of Ur16 km · NEExplore →

Nasiriyah34 km · NEExplore →

Uruk56 km · SEExplore →

Southern Desert60 km · SWExplore →

Tuzly Lagoons69 km · WExplore →

Samawah88 km · SEExplore →

Purcari Estate94 km · NWExplore →

Lower Dniester National Park96 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Eridu (2)

Abu Shahrain🏺 historical

Abu Shahrain is the archaeological mound marking the ruins of Eridu, one of the oldest cities in human history.

Eridu🏺 historical

Eridu is considered the oldest city in Mesopotamia and was, according to Sumerian mythology, the home of the god Enki.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Eridu?

According to Sumerian mythology, Eridu is considered to be the oldest city in the world.

Which god was the patron of Eridu?

It was the primary cult center for Enki (Ea), the god of water and wisdom.

Where are the ruins located?

The site, known as Tell Abu Shahrain, is located about 12 km southwest of Ur in southern Iraq.

What is the condition of the archaeological site?

The remains are heavily weathered; one can mainly see mounds and the foundations of ancient temples.

Is a permit required for visiting?

Visitors often need official permits and should check the local security situation before traveling.

Eridu: where is it located?

Eridu is located in Iraq.

Eridu: what is there to see?

Highlights include Abu Shahrain, Eridu.

Eridu: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

Eridu: why is it worth visiting?

Eridu, located in southern Mesopotamia on the edge of the desert at Tell Abu Shahrein, is revered in Sumerian mythology as the oldest city in the world.

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