The temples in Assur: an overview of the sacral architecture of the Holy City

Assyrian temple architecture in Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) exhibits remarkable creativity and evolutionary adaptability, particularly during the reign of Šamši-Adad I (19th–18th century BCE) and the 13th–12th centuries BCE. Unlike later Neo-Assyrian periods, where sacral designs became derivative of those in Kalhu and Dur-Šarrukin, earlier phases demonstrate a dynamic, unconstrained approach to sanctuary layouts and cultic tracts. This 'longue durée' study spans from the mid-3rd millennium BCE to the late 7th century BCE, revealing how Ashur's architectural traditions laid foundational concepts for subsequent Assyrian capitals. The research highlights the site's significance as a cradle of innovative religious architecture, challenging assumptions about its later derivative nature.

Stepniowski, F. M. (2016). The temples in Assur: an overview of the sacral architecture of the Holy City. Isimu, 6, 233–244. https://doi.org/10.15366/isimu2003.6.013