9.13 “Early Dynasties of Ur”

Tell Agrab painted vase Early Dynasty
2,900-2,800 BC - source National
Museum of Iraq, Baghdad

Remarkably, from about 2,800 to 2,334 BC, described as the “Early Dynasties” of Ur, it is estimated that 80% of the inhabitants of Mesopotamia lived in cities, often dominated by large palaces. Ur became the capital of Sumer sometime before 2,500 BC. At its height in the Early Dynasties, Ur influenced an extensive area including Mari, Ashur to the north and Susiana, the home of the Elamite Culture in Southwest Iran. Trade remained very important and semi-precious stones and metals were imported from India and Afghanistan, converted with great workmanship into jewellery and other high value products and re-exported.  Links also existed with other countries such as Egypt and the Arabian and Oman Peninsulas. Fine pottery was also exported. As an example, a painted vase with deer decoration from this period has been discovered in Tell Agrab, near Abu-Dhabi.

There is evidence of a temple at Ur dated around 2,600 BC. While the temples and palaces at Ur were very complex buildings, the Early Dynasties of Ur are particularly noted for the huge and extensive Royal Tombs of 16 kings excavated in the 1920’s. They provide a remarkable insight into the power, huge wealth and sophistication of the early kings of the Sumerian Civilisation, and reflect the importance of Ur at this time. They also illustrate some of the examples of corbelled, vaulted roofing (where the fired brick layer progressively overlaps the previous course until the two sides meet at the centre). As wood was in such short supply, a fired brick alternative to roofing was essential, hence their need to invent corbelling. The graves contained a spectacular array of imported and local goods, including some beautiful objects. Occasionally there was also a gruesome find of a sacrificed loyal retainer. 

The Akkadians conquered Ur in 2334 BC, but the city became important again after some 200 years and is described later.