Tepe Gawra
Archaeological Site Ancient archaeological mound in Iraq with prehistoric strata
An archaeological mound near Mosul with early urban layers from the Bronze Age; it attracts researchers and visitors interested in Near Eastern excavations and ancient pottery and architecture.
Tepe Gawra is an archaeological tell in Nineveh Governorate in northern Iraq that preserves multiple occupation layers from the late Neolithic/Chalcolithic through the Bronze Age. The site has yielded architectural remains and material culture important to the study of early Mesopotamian societies.
Excavations in the early 20th century and subsequent fieldwork documented a deep stratigraphy with temples, domestic buildings and administrative evidence. Finds from Tepe Gawra contribute to chronological frameworks for the region and to understanding technological and social development in the third and fourth millennia BCE.
The mound sits in the greater Mosul/Nineveh region and is one of several key tells in the area that illustrate the long-term settlement history of northern Mesopotamia.
Tepe Gawra is located in Nineveh Governorate in northern Iraq, within the broader Mesopotamian plain near other major ancient sites.
- Research significance: Archaeological work at the site has exposed long sequences of occupation that are important for understanding the development of early urbanism in northern Mesopotamia.
Tips for Visiting Tepe Gawra #
- Because Tepe Gawra is in Nineveh Governorate and situated in a region with sensitive security and access restrictions, check current travel and security advice and obtain permissions from Iraqi authorities before planning a visit.
- Arrange any visit through an academic institution, sanctioned archaeological program or the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage-independent visits are unlikely to be practical and visitor facilities are minimal.
Best Time to Visit Tepe Gawra #
Best time: spring or autumn for cooler, more comfortable temperatures when exploring the open archaeological site; avoid the peak summer heat where possible.
Weather & Climate near Tepe Gawra #
Tepe Gawra's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 43°C. Moderate rainfall (585 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (110 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 43°C and lows of 26°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot with highs of 42°C and lows of 25°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
