32 Ancient Cities That Are Older Than the Pyramids

19. Nippur: The Spiritual Heart of Sumer

Dating back to at least 5000 BCE, Nippur was not the largest Sumerian city, but it held immense spiritual significance. It was believed to be the home of Enlil, chief of the Sumerian pantheon, and housed the great Ekur temple complex. Nippur served as a religious capital, visited by kings who sought divine legitimacy for their rule. The site offers insights into the spiritual life of early Mesopotamians, and its rich library of cuneiform tablets has illuminated everything from theology and politics to daily life.