There is some evidence of occupation as far back as the Uruk period, including some Hurrian presence in the middle second millennium.

An Uruk period cylinder seal was found at the site, a presentation scene of Istar.

[3] In 2022 it was proposed that Tell Billa was the site of the Ur III period (ca 2100 BC) city Šimānum (possibly known as Asimānum during the Akkadian Empire).

[10] After some minor soundings done by Austen Henry Layard around 1850, Tell Billa was excavated between 1930 and 1934 by a team from the University of Pennsylvania and the American Schools of Oriental Research.

[18] At the same time, these scholars explored the related nearby ancient site of Tepe Gawra, which is located about 8 km (5.0 mi) northeast of Billa.