Chogha Zanbil, Susa

Chogha Zanbil, located in Khuzestan province, is one of the first Iranian sites registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ziggurat dates back to the 13th century BC. Among its notable features is a child’s footprint preserved for over 3000 years on a mud brick.

The architecture of Chogha Zanbil facilitated the utilization of river water and its location on elevated ground protected it from floods. Interestingly, the first example of glasswork in Iran was found here. When workers of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company were drilling for oil in 1935, they discovered inscribed bricks leading to Chogha Zanbil’s discovery. The ziggurat temple is part of an ancient multi-tiered city. Buildings in this historical city served as clocks and calendars. The main city structure also functioned as an observatory or solar calendar. This square-shaped ziggurat contains one of Iran’s oldest water purification systems. Visitors are encouraged to see the inscriptions and stone writings at this significant archaeological site.