How Do You Spell CALAH?

Pronunciation: [kˈalə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "calah" is not very complex, but it might be confusing for those unfamiliar with how the sound "kh" is written. The IPA phonetic transcription for "calah" would be /kəˈlɑ/. The first syllable contains the sound "uh" (as in "fun"), with the second syllable pronounced with the sound "ah" (as in "father"). The "kh" sound is represented by the letter "h" and is pronounced in the back of the throat, similar to the "ch" in Scottish "loch."

CALAH Meaning and Definition

1. Calah, also spelled Kalhu or Kalakh, is an ancient city mentioned in historical records and located in present-day Iraq, near the Tigris River. This term can have different meanings depending on the context.

   In ancient times, Calah served as an important center of the Assyrian Empire, particularly during the reign of King Ashurnasirpal II (883-859 BC) and during the Neo-Assyrian period. It was one of the capitals of the empire and played a vital role in political, cultural, and commercial activities. Archaeological excavations have revealed the ruins of a significant cityscape including palaces, temples, and fortifications.

   Calah is also mentioned in various religious texts, particularly in the Bible. In the Holy Scriptures, it is referred to as one of the cities that was inhabited by the descendants of Noah's son, Shem.

   The mention of Calah outside the historical context is sometimes associated with events and figures from ancient myths and legends, particularly in relation to Assyrian folklore and mythology. These stories often involve divine beings or supernatural creatures associated with Calah.

   In modern times, Calah typically refers to the ancient city and its ruins, or occasionally, to the concept of an individual or place steeped in ancient history and tradition. The name "Calah" may also be used as a given name in some cultures, albeit less commonly.

   Overall, Calah encompasses the historical, cultural, and archaeological significance of the ancient city and its impact on the Assyrian civilization.

Common Misspellings for CALAH

• xalah
• czlah
• cqlah
• cakah
• caoah
• calzh
• calwh
• calqh
• xcalah
• cxalah
• vcalah
• cvalah
• fcalah
• cfalah
• dcalah
• cdalah
• czalah
• cazlah
• csalah
• caslah

Etymology of CALAH

The word "Calah" has its origin in the Akkadian language, which was spoken in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq and Syria) during the third millennium BCE.

In Akkadian, the word "kalhu" or "kalḫu" referred to a type of fortified city or citadel. The Akkadian term was derived from the Sumerian word "gal", which also denoted a fortress or walled city. Over time, this word evolved and transformed into "Calah" in English.

In historical context, Calah or Kalhu was the name of a significant Assyrian city located in northern Mesopotamia. The city was called "Nimrud" in later periods and was a major center during the Assyrian Empire (9th-7th centuries BCE).