Musasir

Musasir, also known as Ardini, was an ancient city in Urartu, located in present-day Iraqi Kurdistan. It was a significant religious center, particularly known for its temple dedicated to the god Ḫaldi. The city's strategic location and religious importance made it a frequent target of Assyrian military campaigns, notably that of Sargon II in the 8th century BCE. Sargon's campaign, documented in Assyrian royal inscriptions, involved the sacking and destruction of Musasir and the looting of its temple treasures. These accounts provide significant insights into Urartian culture, religion, and art. The precise location of Musasir remains a matter of scholarly debate, though sites near the modern town of Mudjesir in Iraq are considered likely candidates. The temple of Ḫaldi at Musasir was renowned for its opulence and the high quality of its metalwork.