Ur

==Ur ==

Ur was an important Sumerian city-state in ancient Mesopotamia, located in present-day Iraq. It is one of the oldest known cities in the world and played a significant role in the early development of human civilization.

History

Ur was founded around 3800 BCE and became a major urban center by the 3rd millennium BCE. It was a prominent city during the Early Dynastic Period and reached its peak during the Third Dynasty of Ur (circa 2112-2004 BCE). The city was known for its impressive ziggurat, the Ziggurat of Ur, which was dedicated to the moon god Nanna.

Archaeological Discoveries

The site of Ur was first excavated in the 1850s by John George Taylor, and later extensively by Leonard Woolley in the 1920s and 1930s. Woolley's excavations uncovered the Royal Cemetery of Ur, which contained a wealth of artifacts, including the famous Standard of Ur and the Queen Puabi's tomb.

Economy and Society

Ur was a major center of trade and commerce, benefiting from its strategic location near the Euphrates River. The city had a complex social structure, with a ruling class, priests, merchants, and artisans. The economy was based on agriculture, trade, and the production of goods such as textiles and pottery.

Religion

The people of Ur practiced polytheism, worshipping a pantheon of gods and goddesses. The chief deity of Ur was Nanna, the moon god, who was believed to reside in the city's ziggurat. Religious practices included offerings, rituals, and the construction of temples.

Decline

Ur began to decline around 2000 BCE, possibly due to changes in the course of the Euphrates River and the rise of rival city-states. By the time of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, Ur had lost much of its former significance, although it remained inhabited for several more centuries.

Legacy

Ur's contributions to human civilization include advancements in writing, architecture, and governance. The city's legacy is preserved through its archaeological remains and its influence on later cultures in the region.

See Also

• Sumer
• Mesopotamia
• Ziggurat
• Leonard Woolley
• Third Dynasty of Ur
• Euphrates River