Tell HassunaTell Hassuna at a Glance
About Tell Hassuna
Tell Hassuna is an archaeological mound in Iraq’s Nineveh Governorate that gave its name to the Hassuna cultural horizon of northern Mesopotamia. It is recognised as a key Neolithic-Chalcolithic site in the region.
The tell comprises the remains of an early village settlement with domestic architecture and pottery assemblages that define the Hassuna cultural phase; visible remains are primarily archaeological rather than reconstructed monuments. The site is important for studies of early farming communities and pottery production in northern Mesopotamia.
Excavations at the tell identified a distinct local ceramic and architectural tradition which archaeologists named the Hassuna culture; this horizon dates to the early 6th millennium BCE and represents settled farming communities in the region. The material from the site has been central to understanding Neolithic and early Chalcolithic developments in northern Iraq.
Situated in Nineveh Governorate in northern Iraq, the tell lies within the broad Mesopotamian plain and is part of the archaeological landscape south and west of present-day Mosul.
- Type site for Hassuna culture: Serves as the type site for the Hassuna culture, a Neolithic settlement tradition in northern Mesopotamia with early village architecture and pottery.
Best Time to Visit Tell Hassuna
Spring and autumn offer the most favourable conditions for visiting archaeological tells in the region.
Weather & Climate near Tell Hassuna
Tell Hassuna's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 43°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 3° - 12° | 6° | 76 mm | partly cloudy | 66% | 2.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.8h |
| February | Good | 5° - 14° | 9° | 79 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 2.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.7h |
| March | Good | 8° - 19° | 14° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 56% | 2.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Excellent | 12° - 25° | 19° | 58 mm | partly cloudy | 50% | 2.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.0h |
| May | Ideal | 18° - 33° | 25° | 22 mm | some cloud | 38% | 2.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 14.0h |
| June | Ideal | 24° - 39° | 31° | 0 mm | clear | 23% | 2.9 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 14.5h |
| July | Ideal | 26° - 43° | 35° | 0 mm | clear | 18% | 2.7 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 14.2h |
| August | Ideal | 26° - 42° | 34° | 0 mm | clear | 18% | 2.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.4h |
| September | Ideal | 22° - 38° | 30° | 0 mm | clear | 21% | 2.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.3h |
| October | Ideal | 15° - 30° | 22° | 12 mm | mostly sunny | 33% | 1.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.1h |
| November | Very Good | 9° - 21° | 15° | 48 mm | some cloud | 52% | 1.5 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.1h |
| December | Good | 5° - 14° | 9° | 69 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 1.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
How to Get to Tell Hassuna
Tell Hassuna is in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. Visitors should coordinate with local authorities and archaeological bodies and check security and access conditions before planning a trip.
Tips for Visiting Tell Hassuna
- Tell Hassuna is primarily of academic interest; consult archaeological reports for the most meaningful context before visiting.
- Wear sun protection and bring water if visiting field areas - northern Iraq summers are hot and exposed.