Excavations at the ancient Sumerian city of Larsa have revealed a pristine Hellenistic-era temple built atop much older foundations, dedicated to the sun god Utu (Shamash). While Larsa is known for its Bronze Age history, this discovery proves the continued sanctity of the site well into the Seleucid period.
Inside the inner sanctuary, archaeologists found a cache of silver votive eyes and miniature golden chariots, believed to be offerings for divine protection and successful harvests. The temple features a unique blend of Mesopotamian mud-brick architecture and Greek decorative motifs, showcasing the cultural synthesis of the era.