Matthew 1

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Eridu (3)

Early Development (c. 5400 - 4th Millennium BC)

  • Initial Settlement:
    Eridu began as a small settlement, with its earliest structures dating to the 6th millennium BCE.
Peak and Flourishing (4th Millennium BC)
  • Urbanization:
    Eridu reached its highest population and development during the 4th millennium BC (from 4000 BC to 3001 BC), becoming a significant cultural and economic hub.
 
- Chronology of the Sumerian city of Uruk: (1)

Uruk's chronology spans from its founding around 5000 BC through the Uruk period (4100-2900 BC), when it grew into the world's first great city, and into the Early Dynastic period (2900-2334 BC), when Gilgamesh may have reigned and built the city walls, before its eventual decline and abandonment after the Muslim Conquest in 630 CE. The city's phases, including the Early, Middle, and Late Uruk periods, mark significant developments in architecture, urbanism, and the invention of writing.
Early Uruk Period (c. 4000–3800 BC)
  • Founding and Early Growth: Uruk's origins are linked to the Ubaid period, with the city's expansion and the development of its core features occurring from about 4000 BC.
Middle Uruk Period (c. 3800–3400 BC)
  • Urban Expansion: The city continued to expand significantly during this phase.
Late Uruk Period (c. 3400–3100 BC)
  • The "Uruk Civilization":
    This period saw the definitive establishment of the characteristics of Uruk culture and a peak in urban development.
Jemdet Nasr Period (c. 3100–2900 BC)
  • City Walls: The massive 9-kilometer city wall of Uruk was built during this phase, according to tradition and the Sumerian King List.
Early Dynastic Period (c. 2900–2334 BC)
  • City-State Dominance:
    Uruk remained a center of power, even as other city-states rose in Mesopotamia.
Later History and Decline
  • Continued Importance:
    Uruk continued to be a significant religious and cultural center into the Seleucid and Parthian periods.
  • Final Abandonment:
    The city was abandoned and its ruins were left to time after the Muslim Conquest of Mesopotamia in 630 CE.

Temple Construction: The Eanna and Anu temple districts began to take shape.

Technological Advancements: The first mass-produced bowls and the beginnings of writing emerged during this time, laying the groundwork for the Uruk period's achievements.
Monumental Architecture:
The earliest monumental temples were built in the Eanna District, with the White Temple constructed atop the Anu Ziggurat around 3200-3000 BC.
Increased Influence:
Uruk's cultural and economic influence extended throughout the Near East, with artifacts found from Iran to Egypt.
King Gilgamesh:
The legendary King Gilgamesh, known for his epic adventures, is associated with this period, possibly having reigned around 2700 BC and ordering the construction of the city's walls.
 
- Evolution of the population of the Sumerian city of Uruk: (2)

The Sumerian city of Uruk evolved from a modest settlement into the world's first mega-city and a major urban center, peaking in population around 3100 BC with an estimated 40,000-80,000 residents in its peak period. This growth was part of the broader Uruk period (c. 4100–2900 BCE), a time of rapid urbanization and societal development, after which the city's influence began to wane, though it remained inhabited until around 300 CE.
Early Growth and Uruk Period (c. 4100–3100 BC)
  • Founding and early stages:
    Uruk was founded around 5000 BC, and by the early phases of the Uruk Period (c. 4100-3300 BC), the city was a growing settlement.
Decline and Later History
  • Shift in importance:
    After the Uruk Period and the rise of the Akkadian Empire, Uruk lost some of its prime importance and influence.
Rapid expansion:
During the final phase of the Uruk period (c. 3100 BC), Uruk experienced a dramatic population surge, becoming the largest urban area in the world.
Population peak:
At its height around 3100 BC, the city housed an estimated 40,000 to 80,000 residents, with up to 90,000 people living in its environs.
Urban complexity:
This unprecedented population density was accompanied by monumental architecture, administrative complexes, and densely packed residential neighborhoods, making it a model for future urban development.
Continued habitation:
The city continued to be inhabited for centuries, though its population and power were likely smaller than during its peak.
Abandonment:
Uruk was eventually deserted around 300 CE due to depleted natural resources and other factors, leading to its abandonment and burial until its excavation in the 19th century.
 
Uruk (3)

  • Founding and early stages:
    Uruk was founded around 5000 BC, and by the early phases of the Uruk Period (c. 4100-3300 BC), the city was a growing settlement.
 
- Chronology of the Sumerian city of Ur: (1)

The city of Ur, a major Mesopotamian center, was established around 3800 BCE and reached its peak of power and cultural achievements during the Third Dynasty (2047–1750 BCE), when the Great Ziggurat was built by Ur-Nammu. After a period of decline following its sacking by the Elamites around 1750 BCE, it saw a revival under Nabonidus in the 6th century BCE before falling into disuse by the Achaemenid Empire and being largely abandoned.
Early History & Rise to Prominence
  • Circa 3800 BCE: Ur was founded as a small settlement on the banks of the Euphrates River.
The Height of Ur's Power: The Third Dynasty (2047–1750 BCE)
  • Ur-Nammu (c. 2100 BCE):
    The first king of the Third Dynasty began the construction of the Great Ziggurat. The Code of Ur-Nammu, the oldest known legal code, was also written during this time.
Decline and Revival
Later Periods and Rediscovery
  • By the 5th Century BCE:
    Ur had largely declined and become abandoned with the rise of the Achaemenid Empire.
  • 1854 AD:
    British explorer J.E. Taylor conducted the first major archaeological excavations.
  • 1922–1934 AD:
    Sir Leonard Woolley led extensive excavations that uncovered the city's famous Royal Tombs.
 
Early Dynastic Period (c. 2900–2334 BCE): Ur became a prominent capital city in southern Mesopotamia and a major center for trade and cultural influence.
Shulgi (2047–2050 BCE):
Ur-Nammu's son, Shulgi, further centralized the state, creating a highly bureaucratic and efficient administrative system.
Cultural Golden Age:
The Third Dynasty is considered the "Sumerian Renaissance," marked by significant architectural achievements, scientific pursuits, and high living standards for residents.

Circa 1750 BCE: Ur suffered a significant decline after being captured and sacked by the Elamites, leading to its abandonment and loss of prominence.

6th Century BCE: The city saw a brief revival under Nabonidus, the last king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, who undertook reconstruction efforts.
 
- Evolution of the population of the Sumerian city of Ur: (2)


The population of the Sumerian city of Ur grew from a small village, likely originating around 3800 BCE, to one of the largest cities in the world by the 3rd millennium BCE, possibly reaching 65,000 people between 2030 and 1980 BCE during the Ur III Dynasty. The city's size and influence fluctuated over its history, eventually diminishing after the fall of the Ur III Dynasty to the Elamites around 1940 BCE.

Early Settlement & Growth

  • Origins:
    Ur began as a small village around 3800 BCE, developing on the banks of the Euphrates River.
Peak in the 3rd Millennium BCE

  • Ur III Dynasty:
    During this period (late 3rd millennium BCE), Ur became a major administrative and commercial center.
Decline

  • Fall of the Dynasty:
    The city's importance declined with the fall of the Ur III Dynasty to the Elamites around 1940 BCE.
Ubaid Period:
The initial inhabitants were likely from the Ubaid culture, who were known for their agricultural advancements.

Largest City:
At its peak, Ur was likely the largest city in the world, with an estimated population of about 65,000 people.

Abandonment:
The city was eventually abandoned, likely shortly after the Islamic conquest in the 7th century CE.
 
Ur (3)


  • Origins:
    Ur began as a small village around 3800 BCE, developing on the banks of the Euphrates River.
Peak in the 3rd Millennium BCE

  • Ur III Dynasty:
    During this period (late 3rd millennium BCE), Ur became a major administrative and commercial center.
 
- Chronology of the Sumerian city of Larsa: (1)


Larsa rose to prominence after the Ur III collapse (c. 2004 BCE), becoming a major power during the Isin-Larsa period alongside Isin and eventually dominating southern Mesopotamia under Rim-Sin I. Its independence ended in 1763 BCE when Hammurabi of Babylon conquered the city, ushering in the Old Babylonian period. Larsa remained occupied, though with diminished influence, until the Hellenistic period.

Early History

  • Pre-historic Origins:
    Larsa was likely founded during the Ubaid period (c. 6000-4000 BCE). It also appears on proto-cuneiform lists from the late 4th millennium BCE.
The Isin-Larsa Period

  • Post-Ur III:
    Following the collapse of the Ur III Dynasty (c. 2112-2004 BCE), Larsa gained power and emerged as a key player in the ensuing period of fragmented city-states.
Babylonian Domination

  • Conquest by Hammurabi:
    Larsa's imperial ambitions were cut short when Hammurabi of Babylon captured the city in 1763 BCE.
  • Decline:
    Under Babylonian rule, Larsa never regained its former power and influence.
Later History

  • Hellenistic Period: The city was occupied until the Hellenistic period.
  • Shamash's Temple: The famous Ebabbar temple, dedicated to the sun god Shamash, was a prominent feature of Larsa for much of its history, with its origins likely in the early 2nd millennium BCE.
Sumerian King List:
The city is listed as a city of importance before the legendary Great Flood.

Annexation by Lagash:
Larsa was annexed by Eannatum of Lagash at an earlier, yet unspecified, point in its history, indicating its early presence as a territorial entity.

Rise to Power:
Gungunum, an Amorite governor appointed by Isin, broke away from Isin and established an independent dynasty in Larsa, transforming it into a major power that controlled surrounding city-states.

Peak of Power:
Larsa reached its zenith during the reign of Rim-Sin I (c. 1822-1763 BCE), who defeated its rival Isin in 1794 BCE, extending Larsa's regional hegemony.
 
- Evolution of the population of the Sumerian city of Larsa: (2)


Larsa's population evolved from prehistoric origins to significant growth in the Early Dynastic period, peaking in influence under King Rim-Sin I before its eventual decline and incorporation into the Babylonian empire around 1700 BCE. While precise population numbers aren't available for Larsa specifically, archaeological evidence shows huge building projects during its prosperous Isin-Larsa period, followed by its decline to a "minor site" after its defeat by Hammurabi.

Early Origins and Growth

  • Larsa, founded in the Ubaid period (c. 6000-4000 BCE), emerged as a significant city-state by the end of the Ur III period (c. 2000 BCE).
Peak Period (Isin-Larsa Period)

  • Under King Rim-Sin I (c. 1822–1763 BC), Larsa reached its height of power.
Decline and Aftermath

  • After Hammurabi of Babylon defeated Rim-Sin I around 1763 BCE, Larsa transitioned from a dominant regional power to a minor site within the Babylonian empire.

It developed into a prominent regional power, initially joining with Isin and then establishing itself as a stand-alone empire controlling about 10-15 other city-states.


This era was a period of prosperity, with agricultural and trade flourished, supported by extensive irrigation projects and business documentation.


Huge building projects and undertakings were detected archaeologically during this time, indicating a flourishing city and population.


The Babylonian state eventually relocated the city's population.


There are suggestions that Larsa was the home of the First Sealand Dynasty of Babylon, but this remains a point of discussion.
 
Larsa (3)


  • Larsa, founded in the Ubaid period (c. 6000-4000 BCE), emerged as a significant city-state by the end of the Ur III period (c. 2000 BCE).
Peak Period (Isin-Larsa Period)

  • Under King Rim-Sin I (c. 1822–1763 BC), Larsa reached its height of power.
 
- Chronology of the Sumerian city of Isin: (1)


Isin began with Ubaid period occupation, saw significant Early Dynastic and Akkadian period activity, and underwent intensive building under the Ur III empire before its major rise during the Isin-Larsa period (c. 2004–1763 BCE) after the Ur III collapse. Founded by Ishbi-Erra, this Amorite dynasty ruled much of southern Mesopotamia before falling to Larsa, and then Babylon, leading to a period of abandonment. The site resumed activity under the Kassites, but Isin's dominance over the region ended when Rīm-Sîn I of Larsa conquered it around 1786/5 BCE.

Pre-Dynastic and Ur III Periods

  • Ubaid Period (c. 6500–3800 BCE): Initial occupation of the Isin site is evident from pottery shards.
Isin-Larsa Period & Amorite Rule

  • Post-Ur III Collapse (c. 2004 BCE):
    The Ur III state collapsed due to Elamite and Amorite attacks, leading to the formation of independent city-states.
Post-Larsa Period

  • Babylonian Conquest: After Larsa's rise, the city eventually fell to the growing power of Babylon, leading to a period of abandonment.

Early Dynastic Period (c. 2900–2350 BCE): Significant settlement and activity began.


Akkadian Empire (c. 2334–2154 BCE): Isin was occupied during this era.


Ur III Empire (c. 2112–2004 BCE): Intensive building programs took place in Isin, and it remained a vital center.

Foundation of Isin Dynasty (c. 2017 BCE):
Ishbi-Erra, an Amorite ruler, founded an independent dynasty at Isin.

Isin-Larsa Period (c. 2004–1763 BCE):
Isin and its rival, Larsa, were the dominant powers in southern Mesopotamia. The dynasty of Isin reigned for about a century before falling to Larsa.

Larsa's Rise:
Rīm-Sîn I of Larsa conquered Isin around 1786/5 BCE, ending its independence and marking the end of the Isin-Larsa period.


Kassite Activity: Activity at Isin resumed during the Kassite period.


Later periods: The site continued to be occupied, with structures like the Egalmah temple being rebuilt during the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
 
- Evolution of the population of the Sumerian city of Isin: (2)


The city of Isin experienced population shifts and significant events, with notable increases in the Early Dynastic period and the subsequent Isin-Larsa period, but it later suffered abandonment and population displacement following the fall of Ur around 1794 BC, and experienced a decline in population from 2100 BC to 1700 BC.

Early to Mid-3rd Millennium BC (Early Dynastic Period)

  • Early Occupation: The site of Isin was occupied as early as the Ubaid period, but significant growth began in the Early Dynastic period in the early to mid-3rd millennium BC.
Late 3rd Millennium BC (Ur III and Akkadian Empires)

  • Intensive Building:
    An extensive building program was initiated at Isin during the Ur III empire in the late 3rd millennium BC.
18th Century BC and Later Periods

  • Decline and Relocation:
    With the fall of Ur to the Elamites around 2028–2004 BC, Isin fell to Babylonian rule and was abandoned, with its population being relocated to Sippar.
Growth Phase: The city experienced a period of strong growth during this time.

Population Decline:
Despite this development, the region faced population decline between approximately 2100 BC and 1700 BC.

Revival under Amorite Rule:
Following this, an Amorite dynasty took power, establishing the "Dynasty of Isin" around 2017 BC. The city experienced a revival and its population grew significantly during the Isin-Larsa period.

Later Activity:
Activity at the site continued under the Kassites. However, the city's population declined from its peak during the Isin-Larsa period.
 
Isin (3)


Early Occupation: The site of Isin was occupied as early as the Ubaid period, but significant growth began in the Early Dynastic period in the early to mid-3rd millennium BC.
 
- Chronology of the Sumerian city of Isin: (1)


Isin began with Ubaid period occupation, saw significant Early Dynastic and Akkadian period activity, and underwent intensive building under the Ur III empire before its major rise during the Isin-Larsa period (c. 2004–1763 BCE) after the Ur III collapse. Founded by Ishbi-Erra, this Amorite dynasty ruled much of southern Mesopotamia before falling to Larsa, and then Babylon, leading to a period of abandonment. The site resumed activity under the Kassites, but Isin's dominance over the region ended when Rīm-Sîn I of Larsa conquered it around 1786/5 BCE.

Pre-Dynastic and Ur III Periods

  • Ubaid Period (c. 6500–3800 BCE): Initial occupation of the Isin site is evident from pottery shards.
Isin-Larsa Period & Amorite Rule

  • Post-Ur III Collapse (c. 2004 BCE):
    The Ur III state collapsed due to Elamite and Amorite attacks, leading to the formation of independent city-states.
Post-Larsa Period

  • Babylonian Conquest: After Larsa's rise, the city eventually fell to the growing power of Babylon, leading to a period of abandonment.

Early Dynastic Period (c. 2900–2350 BCE): Significant settlement and activity began.


Akkadian Empire (c. 2334–2154 BCE): Isin was occupied during this era.


Ur III Empire (c. 2112–2004 BCE): Intensive building programs took place in Isin, and it remained a vital center.

Foundation of Isin Dynasty (c. 2017 BCE):
Ishbi-Erra, an Amorite ruler, founded an independent dynasty at Isin.

Isin-Larsa Period (c. 2004–1763 BCE):
Isin and its rival, Larsa, were the dominant powers in southern Mesopotamia. The dynasty of Isin reigned for about a century before falling to Larsa.

Larsa's Rise:
Rīm-Sîn I of Larsa conquered Isin around 1786/5 BCE, ending its independence and marking the end of the Isin-Larsa period.


Kassite Activity: Activity at Isin resumed during the Kassite period.


Later periods: The site continued to be occupied, with structures like the Egalmah temple being rebuilt during the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
 
- Chronology of the Sumerian city of Adab: (1)


Adab, located at modern Bismaya in Iraq, was a Sumerian city occupied from at least 3000 BC, reaching prominence around 2350 BC under King Lugal-Anne-Mundu, before being absorbed into larger empires like the Akkadian and Ur III, and eventually declining after 2000 BC. Its history spans the Early Dynastic, Akkadian, Ur III, and Kassite periods, with early evidence of its existence dating to the pre-historic period and later buildings from the Ur-Nammu reign.

Pre-Historic & Early Dynastic Periods (c. 3000 BC – c. 2350 BC)

  • c. 3000 BC: Adab was inhabited as early as this period.
Akkadian Empire (c. 2334–2193 BC)

  • Adab lost its independent status and became a city within larger empires.
Ur III Empire (c. 2112–2095 BC)

  • Buildings from the reign of Ur-Nammu (2112–2095 BC) were found at the site, indicating continued occupation during this period.
  • The city was an important center until approximately 2000 BC.
Post-Ur III & Kassite Period (c. 2000 BC – Mid-2nd Millennium BC)

  • Adab's importance as a Sumerian center declined after 2000 BC.

c. 2350 BC: Adab achieved a period of dominance under the rule of Lugal-Anne-Mundu, who was considered the "King of the four quarters of the world".


Governors, such as Lugal-gis and Ur-tur, ruled Adab during the reigns of Akkadian kings like Shar-kali-sharri.


During the reign of Rimush, Adab experienced destruction, with its walls smashed after a rebellion.


It was occupied into the Kassite period (mid-2nd millennium BC) but did not regain its previous significance.
 
- Evolution of the population of the Sumerian city of Adab: (2)


The Sumerian city of Adab was settled by at least 3000 BCE, with its population growing during the Early Dynastic period (c. 2900-2350 BCE) and later, though a precise population figure for Adab is not available, the city was an important center until approximately 2000 BCE before declining in importance. After the Gutian occupation where it served as their capital, Adab experienced varying lesser degrees of occupation in subsequent periods.

Key Periods of Adab's History

  • Early Dynastic Period (c. 2900–2350 BCE): Adab was likely an important city-state, possibly under the control of Ur. The city was eventually conquered by Lugal-Anne-Mundu, who is claimed by the Sumerian King List to have ruled a large, short-lived empire.
Population Context

  • A precise population figure for Adab is not available. However, archaeological evidence shows a significant increase in the city's occupied area, peaking in the Ur III and Isin-Larsa periods.
  • The overall population trends in Mesopotamia generally showed a rise in population leading up to 2500 BCE, with a significant decline in the second half of the 3rd millennium BCE.

Akkadian Empire (c. 2334–2154 BCE): Adab was reduced to a city within the Akkadian Empire.


Gutian Period (c. 2141–2050 BCE): Adab became the capital of the Gutian dynasty, marking the city's peak of influence during this time.


Ur III Period (c. 2112–2004 BCE): The city was occupied during the reign of Ur-Nammu, but it declined in importance, with the ruins from this period found near the surface.


Isin-Larsa Period (c. 2025–1763 BCE): Adab continued to have some occupation, but its significance had lessened.
 
Adab (3)


Population Context

  • A precise population figure for Adab is not available. However, archaeological evidence shows a significant increase in the city's occupied area, peaking in the Ur III and Isin-Larsa periods.
  • The overall population trends in Mesopotamia generally showed a rise in population leading up to 2500 BCE, with a significant decline in the second half of the 3rd millennium BCE.
 
- Chronology of the Sumerian city of Nippur: (1)


The ancient Sumerian city of Nippur was established in the prehistoric Ubaid period (c. 5500–4000 B.C.) and remained a major religious center, dedicated to the god Enlil, until its final decline around 800 A.D. Key periods and events include the establishment of the E-kur temple by Ur-Nammu in the 3rd Dynasty of Ur (2112–2095 B.C.), its importance to the Akkadian Empire under Sargon, its revival under the Kassites and Assyrians (7th century B.C.), its Seleucid and Parthian transformations into a fortress, and its eventual fall into decay in the Islamic era.

Timeline of Nippur

  • Ubaid Period (c. 5500–4000 B.C.):
    Nippur began as a settlement, alongside Uruk, and possessed religious significance from its earliest days.
 
Early Dynastic Period (c. 2900–2350 B.C.):
Kings of various city-states, including Kish and Ur, patronized the temple of Enlil at Nippur.

Akkadian Empire (c. 2334–2154 B.C.):
Sargon of Akkad presented votive offerings at the shrine of Bel (Enlil) and rebuilt the chief temple.

3rd Dynasty of Ur (c. 2112–2004 B.C.):
Ur-Nammu, the founder of the dynasty, laid out the grand sanctuary of E-kur and its ziggurat in its present form.

Isin-Larsa Period (c. 2004–1763 B.C.):
Kings from Isin and Larsa, such as Rim-Sin I, continued to hold Nippur in high regard, styling themselves as shepherds of the land of Nippur.

Kassite Period (c. 1595–1155 B.C.):
The city was restored to its former glory under the Kassite dynasty.

Neo-Assyrian Period (7th century B.C.):
Following the conquest of Babylonia by Sargon II, Nippur experienced a revival, with its ziggurat rebuilt to its greatest splendor under Ashurbanipal.

Late Period:
Following the middle of the 7th century B.C., the city began a long process of decay.

Seleucid Period (c. 312–63 B.C.):
The ancient temple was converted into a fortress, with houses and streets built within the temple courts.

Parthian Period (c. 247 B.C.–224 A.D.):
The fortress was continuously occupied and built upon until the close of this period.

Sasanian and Early Islamic Periods (c. 224–800 A.D.):
The city saw further decay, becoming a small village of mud huts centered around the ancient ziggurat. It remained the seat of a Christian diocese until the 8th century A.D. before its final decline.
 
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