The migrations of the ancient Hebrews were connected as we now know with political movements in Babylonia.
They proceed from Ur--or Ur-Kasdim, _i.e._, Chaldean Ur--northward to Harran, which, by virtue of its position, became a town of much importance.

This association of Ur with Harran furnishes an indication for historical relations of some sort, existing between the two places.
It is therefore not accidental, that the patron deity of both places was the same.

As yet, no excavations have been made at Harran, and we are, therefore, dependent upon incidental notices for our knowledge of its history.

These sufficiently show that the place continued through a long period to preserve its sacred character.

The old temple there, was one of the many that stirred up the religious zeal of Nabonnedos; and previous to this, we find several Assyrian kings occupied in embellishing and restoring the structure.