Tell Arpachiyah

Located just outside modern Mosul in the Nineveh Governorate of Iraq, Tell Arpachiyah (also known locally as Tepe Reshwa) is a small prehistoric settlement mound measuring up to 67 meters in diameter. If you are fascinated by ancient Near East archaeology, this site holds monumental significance: the pottery recovered here forms the crucial basis for the internal chronology of the Halaf period.

During your visit to this contemporary of nearby Tepe Gawra, you will be exploring a location heavily involved in prehistoric pottery manufacture that spans the Late Halaf and Ubaid periods. Archaeological excavations—initially led by Max Mallowan alongside Agatha Christie in 1933 and later by Ismail Hijara in 1976—uncovered 11 building phases across its layers.

You can learn about key discoveries such as the famous 'Burnt House' (layer TT6), which served as a potter's or stone-worker's workshop before catching fire or being ritually closed. The site has yielded fascinating circular tholoi structures with river boulder foundations, a multi-grave Ubaid cemetery, counting tokens, stamp seals, human painted figurines, and a anciently repaired Halaf period vase depicting an archer hunting a lioness.

What to see at Tell Arpachiyah

• Small prehistoric tell reaching a peak height of 5.5 meters
• Key site for establishing the internal chronology of the Halaf period
• Location of the historic 'Burnt House' potter's workshop and circular tholoi
• Rich archaeological finds including Halaf pottery, figurines, and stamp seals

Visiting tips

Note that original finds from the site were divided between the British Museum and Iraq, so research local museum displays to see its famous pottery and artifacts in person.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Tell Arpachiyah is easy to reach on Mosul’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Nineveh and Great Mosque of al-Nuri. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Mosul travel guide.