Ancient Mesopotamian city northwest of Ur (Tall Al-Muqayyar) in southeastern Iraq, one of the greatest cities of Sumer. Its occupation began in 'Ubaid 2 (c 5000 BC) and continued through Parthian times (126 BC-224 AD). It was most important during Late Uruk to Early Dynastic times. Urban life in what is known as the Erech-Jamdat Nasr period (c 3500-2900 BC) is more fully illustrated here than at any other Mesopotamian city. Chief landmarks are the Anu ziggurat crowned by the White Temple and the temenos of Eanna another ziggurat.