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Shuruppak matters because its tablets are among the oldest known literary and administrative texts, from the Early Dynastic period around 2600 BCE. They include the 'Instructions of Shuruppak', a father's advice to his son and one of the oldest wisdom texts in the world. In Sumerian tradition it is the city of Ziusudra, hero of the Sumerian flood story, one of the oldest written flood narratives. Lists of professions and objects that scribes copied and learned from were also found there, showing how early the Sumerians organised their knowledge.
The city of Ziusudra, hero of the Sumerian flood story. Its tablets are among the oldest known literary and administrative texts.
They include the 'Instructions of Shuruppak', a father's advice to his son, considered one of the oldest wisdom texts in the world.
Notable factThe Sumerian flood story is one of the oldest written flood narratives in history.
Visitor guide
Approximate straight-line distance; the road is longer.
Best time: Roughly November to March. Summers in the south are extremely hot, often above 45°C, so avoid midday visits in summer.
Practical tips:
- Arrange your visit in advance with the Qadisiyah Antiquities Inspectorate; archaeological sites are protected and guarded.
- Bring plenty of water, a hat and sun protection; most sites have no shade or services.
- Do not walk on exposed walls or pick up any sherd or stone; Iraq's Antiquities and Heritage Law No. 55 of 2002 forbids it.
Getting there
South-east of Diwaniyah in the Qadisiyah desert. There are no facilities on site; visits are arranged with the Qadisiyah Antiquities Inspectorate.
Photos of the site
Sources
Information last reviewed: November 2026. Dates are approximate.