Near East Kingdoms

City State of Sippar / Zimbir

Evidence shows that Sippar was occupied from the Uruk Period (3900-2900 BC), although there were actually two cities named Sippar. This one (modern Tell Abu Habbah) was a dual city, half of which was under the protection of the sun-god Utu of Sippar (Shamash in Akkadian), and half under the goddess, Anunit. Sippar is known as Sepharvaim in the Old Testament, which alludes to the city in its dual form. Another Sippar was probably situated to the north, close to or part of early Agade.

According to the Sumerian king list, one king ruled for 21,000 years, once (one dynasty) in Sippar and then Sippar was abandoned and the kingship was removed to Shuruppak.

fl c.2820 BC

Ruled for 21,000 years (5.8 years?).

fl c.1900? BC

A short dynasty of Amorite rulers appears to gain control in Sippar.

Gypsum lion head finial, possibly from the throne of a votive statue of Early Dynastic III at Sippar, about 2500 BC. The Sumerian word for 'king' ('lugal') is inscribed on one side

Possibly seized the throne.

by c.1792 BC

The city has been conquered by the early kings of Babylon.

1174 BC

Kutir-Nahhunte III, king of Elam and conqueror of Babylon, sacks the city.

481 BC

A revolt against the Achaemenid Persian king, Xerxes, is put down. All activities in the Sippar temple seem to cease after this date.