Soldiers take a trip to the Ziggurat of Ur

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Jose Medina, of Edison, N.J., a petroleum supply specialist, Company B, 64th BSB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., and Spc. Charissa Hunt, of Carver, Mass., a quartermaster and chemical equipment repairer, seen at the bottom of the picture by the staircase, enter the ancient royal tombs which are approximately 500 meters away from the Ziggurat of Ur. (Photo courtesy of 64th BSB)  

CAMP ADDER, IRAQ

12.15.2010

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

Story by: 1st Lt. Jake Mentele

CAMP ADDER, Iraq - A group of soldiers from the 64th Brigade Support Battalion took time recently to appreciate the local history of the ancient ruins of Ur. The most iconic feature of this ancient Mesopotamian city is the Ziggurat of Ur.

Built to worship the pagan god of Nanna, the Ziggurat can be seen every day from inside Camp Adder. As the brigade begins its redeployment process back to Fort Carson, Colo., soldiers know that opportunities like these are a once in a lifetime experience.

The guests rode through the main gate of the 4000-year-old Ziggurat and greeted Dhiaf Mahsen, the Ziggurat tour guide. He ushered the soldiers around from the start of the tour which began at the base of the ancient temple.

They strolled through tombs, walked underneath what’s considered the world’s oldest standing arch, and saw the site where the prophet Abraham is believed to have been born and raised. Mahsen gave a detailed history to soldiers at each of the various sites.

While most historic sites around the world are enclosed with wrought iron gates, this trip let soldiers touch and see artifacts up close and walk through the royal tombs of ancient families.

Soldiers got the chance to relax and enjoy themselves during this trip, if only briefly during their year-long deployment.

“Taking time off and breaking up the routine of normal operation tempo is great for morale,” stated Spc. Cynthia Pichette, of Green Bay, Wis.

Soldiers had the opportunity to climb to the top of the Ziggurat at the end of the tour and take pictures with each other on the top of the ancient ruin.

“I’ve been waiting to see the Ziggurat ever since I first came to Adder. I’m glad I finally had the opportunity see it while I’m still here,” said Pfc. Hunter Hayward, of Bonita, Calif.

• Date Taken: 12.15.2010
• Date Posted: 01.05.2011 07:47
• Story ID: 63035
• Location: CAMP ADDER, IQ