What was the ancient Mesopotamian city of Ashur named after?

The city of Ashur was named after the god Ashur, the chief deity of the Assyrian people. The city stood on the western bank of the Tigris and gave its name to both the god’s national cult and the Assyrian state.

Ashur began as an important trading and religious centre. As Assyria expanded, the god Ashur became a symbol of royal authority and imperial conquest. Assyrian kings presented their campaigns as actions carried out under Ashur’s command.

The name can be confusing because Ashur refers to several connected things: the city, the god, and the ancient land or state of Assyria. Modern spellings also vary, including Aššur and Assur.

The city remained a sacred centre even after political capitals moved to other locations such as Kalhu, Dur-Sharrukin, and Nineveh. Its ruins are near modern Qal'at Sherqat in Iraq and are part of a major archaeological site.