2nd April 1991 Coalition soldiers explore the ruins of Ur in southern Iraq. In the background is the Great Ziggurat.

• Contributor: Johnny Saunderson / Alamy Stock Photo
• Image ID: ERA79F
• File size: 17.3 MB (1.1 MB Compressed download)
• Releases: Model - no | Property - no
• Dimensions: 3307 x 1831 px | 28 x 15.5 cm | 11 x 6.1 inches | 300dpi
• Date taken: 19 July 1999
• Location: Ur, Nasiriyah, Iraq.

More information

The Great Ziggurat of Ur is one of the world's oldest buildings. Originally built by the Sumerians in the 21st century BC, it was restored in the 6th century BC and again in the 1980s. It was officially off the target list for coalition aircraft and artillery, which prompted the Iraqis to place their fighter aircraft from the Tallil Airbase as close as possible to it.