Matthew 1

[JLG]

- Evolution of the population of the Sumerian city of Nippur: (2)


Nippur grew from a prehistoric village to its greatest size of around 135 hectares and a population of approximately 40,000 during the Ur III period (c. 2112-2095 BCE), becoming the religious heart of Sumer. After a catastrophic event around 1720 BCE, possibly a change in the course of the Euphrates River, the city was abandoned but later resettled and continued to be a significant religious and urban center. While its population fluctuated, it eventually declined after the third century CE and was completely abandoned around 800 CE.

Early and Pre-Ur III Periods

• Village to City:
  Nippur began as a village of reed huts and gradually developed over millennia of continuous habitation, with settlements expanding upwards through the use of mud brick.

Peak and Ur III Period

• Ur III Growth:
  Nippur reached its largest extent and population, roughly 135 hectares and possibly 40,000 people, during the Ur III period.

Post-Catastrophe and Decline

• Disaster in 1720 BCE:
  A major disaster, potentially a shift in the Euphrates River's course, led to the city's abandonment.

Final Abandonment

• Decline after 3rd Century CE: The city experienced a gradual decline after the third century CE.
  

4th and 3rd Millennia BCE:
The city's central geographical position in Babylonia was a significant factor in its growth during this period. By 2500 BCE, it was a fortified city with an important temple.

Religious Significance:
King Ur-Nammu built the E-kur temple in its characteristic form, solidifying Nippur's status as a major religious and spiritual center.

Resettlement and Continued Importance:
Although the Euphrates' return caused a "rapid fall" of the Sumerian civilization, Nippur was eventually rebuilt and remained a significant city.

Later Centuries:
Nippur was still inhabited in Islamic times, mentioned by early Muslim geographers as Niffar.


Abandonment by 800 CE: By the late 800s CE, early geographers no longer mentioned the city, indicating its decline. Nippur was eventually completely abandoned around 800 CE, possibly due to decaying infrastructure and political violence.

 

[JLG]

Nippur (3)


Nippur grew from a prehistoric village to its greatest size of around 135 hectares and a population of approximately 40,000 during the Ur III period (c. 2112-2095 BCE), becoming the religious heart of Sumer.

 

[JLG]

- Chronology of the Sumerian city of Kish: (1)


The ancient Sumerian city of Kish flourished during the Early Dynastic period (2900–2340 BCE), holding significant power as the first city to rule after the Great Flood. After its peak, it maintained importance through the Akkadian and subsequent periods, eventually being occupied until the Sasanian period (5th century CE). Key events include the defeat of its last king by Gilgamesh of Uruk around 2660 BCE, though Kish continued to be a prestigious title even after its political decline.

Early History & Rise to Power (c. 3200 BCE – Early Dynastic Period)

• Early Occupation:
  Kish was occupied as early as 3200 BCE, with habitation continuing into the Ubaid period (c. 5300–4300 BC).

Political Dominance & Key Figures

• "King of Kish":
  The ruler of Kish held a title of prestige analogous to the medieval "Holy Roman Emperor".

Later History & Decline (Akkadian Period to Sasanian Period)

• Akkadian Period (c. 2340–2200 BCE):
  Kish continued to be occupied, maintaining its prominence during this period.
  

Post-Flood Significance:
According to Sumerian tradition, Kish was the first city where "kingship descended from heaven" after the Great Flood, giving it immense prestige.

Early Dynastic Prowess:
Kish emerged as a pre-eminent power during the Early Dynastic Period (2900–2340 BCE).

Inter-City Arbitration:
The king of Kish arbitrated in conflicts between other Sumerian kingdoms, such as the war between Lagash and Umma.

Historical Figures:

• Enmebaragesi: The first historical king of Kish and the first identifiable historical personality of Mesopotamia.

Mesilim: A king of Kish who left the earliest known royal inscription.

Decline of Early Power:
Around 2660 BCE, the dynasty of Kish, led by its last king Agga, was defeated by Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk.

Continued Importance:
Even after the Sumerian collapse and absorption into Babylonia, Kish remained a significant city.

Sasanian Settlement:
The site was later known as "Tell al-Uhaymir" and featured a Sasanian settlement (5th century CE) with structures potentially belonging to King Bahram V.

Final Occupation:
The city was occupied at least until the 7th century CE.

 

[JLG]

- Evolution of the population of the Sumerian city of Kish: (2)


The Sumerian city of Kish experienced early significant growth and importance in the first half of the third millennium BC, becoming a major political and economic center, likely due to a large Semitic population component that also influenced its culture. Its population and power reached a peak around the Early Dynastic period (c. 2600–2300 BC), after which it experienced a decline in prominence compared to cities like Uruk, though it remained an important, albeit diminished, city until the end of the Kassite dynasty.

Early Growth & Rise of Prominence (c. 3200–2600 BC)

• Early Urbanization:
  Kish was a location of early urbanization and was a dominant regional power by the early third millennium BC, with a significant presence of Semitic people in its population.

Peak and Early Decline (c. 2600–2000 BC)

• Early Dynastic Period:
  Kish was a center of significant importance, especially during the Early Dynastic II period (26th century BC).

Later Periods and Decline (after 2000 BC)

• Diminished Importance:
  Kish remained a significant city but was never able to regain its earlier prominence, especially after the Kassite period when its importance significantly decreased.
• Abandonment of the Old Site:
  After the Kassite era, the original site of Kish, Tell al-Uhaymir, was largely abandoned, though textual references to "Kish" persisted, referring to a different location, Hursagkalama (Tell Ingharra).
• Continued Settlement:
  While the old city site was abandoned, settlements in the wider region, including Tell Ingharra, continued to exist as cities and towns through the Parthian and Sasanian periods.

Cultural & Political Center:
Kish was considered the center of an early East Semitic civilization, demonstrating strong Semitic linguistic and cultural characteristics from the start of recorded history.

Population Growth:
The population grew along with other Sumerian cities, increasing demand for agricultural land and leading to competition with other city-states.

Kish Tablet:
The discovery of the Kish tablet, an early example of cuneiform writing, highlights the city's early cultural and administrative importance around 3350–3200 BC.

Heated Competition:
During this time, Kish and other city-states like Uruk, Ur, and Lagash were major political entities in Sumer.

Shift in Power:
Kish's power waned following defeats by Gilgamesh of Uruk and the subsequent rise of Uruk's influence.

 

[JLG]

Kish (3)


Early Growth & Rise of Prominence (c. 3200–2600 BC)

• Early Urbanization:
  Kish was a location of early urbanization and was a dominant regional power by the early third millennium BC, with a significant presence of Semitic people in its population.

 

[JLG]

A Sumerian city was a walled settlement, often characterized by narrow, winding streets and a prominent ziggurat or temple at its center. Major cities included Uruk, Ur, and Eridu, and they were built on the fertile alluvial plains between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, relying on the rivers for agriculture and trade. The cities were surrounded by defensive walls made of mud bricks, with houses, workshops, and administrative buildings clustered within.

Key Characteristics

• Walled Settlements:
  Sumerian cities were enclosed by thick, defensive walls constructed from mud bricks, providing protection against floods and invaders.

Major Sumerian Cities

• Uruk:
  A large and important city known for its early urban development and monumental architecture.

Geographical Context

• Tigris and Euphrates Rivers:
  The Sumerian civilization flourished in the alluvial plain formed by these two great rivers, a fertile area rich in silt deposits.
  

Central Temple/Ziggurat:
At the heart of the city was a massive stepped pyramid, known as a ziggurat, which served as a temple to the city's patron deity.

Irrigation Systems:
The cities were built around complex irrigation canals and agricultural fields, essential for the development of the region's early urban societies.

Residential Areas:
Houses, workshops, and other structures were located within the city walls, with the population consisting of rulers, merchants, and craftspeople.

Narrow Streets:
Unlike modern grid-based cities, Sumerian cities featured narrow, winding streets that provided shade and a degree of privacy.

Ur:
Another significant city-state with a population concentrated within its protective walls.

Eridu:
One of the earliest cities in Sumer, it held religious importance as a sacred center.

Lagash and Nippur:
Other key city-states that developed their own governments and cultural traditions.

Mesopotamia:
This region between the rivers, later called Mesopotamia, was the cradle of Sumerian civilization and the birthplace of many early urban societies.

 

[JLG]

The first large Egyptian cities


The earliest large Egyptian cities included Memphis and Abydos, with Memphis serving as the first capital around 3100 BCE and Thebes becoming a major center later during the Middle and New Kingdoms. Other early settlements of significance were Faiyum, which was founded around 4000 BC, and Elephantine, existing before 3000 BC.

Early Cities

• Faiyum: Founded around 4000 BC, making it one of the world's oldest cities.

Later Prominent Cities

Thebes (Waset):
Rose to power as the religious and administrative capital during the Middle and New Kingdoms.


Abydos: A sacred city and religious center, established before 3000 BC.


Memphis: The first capital of unified Egypt, founded by King Menes around 3100 BCE. It was known as "The White Walls".


Elephantine: Located in Upper Egypt, this city was already significant before 3000 BC.

Alexandria:
Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, it became a major Mediterranean port and cultural center.

Amarna (Akhetaten):
A relatively short-lived city, established around 1346 BC, known for its unique focus on the worship of the sun disk.

 

[JLG]

When was the Egyptian city of Thebes founded? (1)


The ancient Egyptian city of Thebes was founded by approximately 3200 BC, first appearing as a small trading post and eventually becoming a significant royal capital and religious center known as Waset or Nowe. Its importance grew through the Middle and New Kingdoms, with its most significant monuments constructed during the latter period.

Early Settlement

• The region of Thebes was settled by Egyptians around 3200 BC, a period when it was known by the ancient Egyptians as "Waset".
• At this early stage, it was a relatively small trading post, serving as the capital of the fourth Upper Egyptian nome.

Rise to Prominence

• Thebes rose to greater importance as royal families began to reside there, particularly during the 11th Dynasty.

Thebes' Heyday

• Thebes reached its greatest prosperity during the New Kingdom period (approximately 1550–1069 BC).

Decline

• The city's glory was not destined to last forever, and it began a gradual decline after the New Kingdom.
  

The city's power increased, leading it to become the governmental and royal capital of Egypt in 2035 BC.


It became a powerful religious center, home to vast temple complexes like Karnak and Luxor, dedicated to the chief god Amun.


Thebes was sacked by the Assyrians in the 7th century BC and subsequently lost its status as the thriving capital city.

 

[JLG]

- Evolution of the population of the Egyptian city of Thebes: (2)


Thebes's population grew significantly from a small settlement around 3200 BC to become the capital of Egypt and one of the largest cities in the world by 1500 BC, with an estimated 75,000 people, and a possible peak of 80,000 during the New Kingdom. After a period of decline and the Assyrian sack in the 7th century BC, Thebes's population dwindled, and it was conquered by various empires, ultimately becoming the modern-day village of Luxor.

Early Growth & Rise to Prominence

• Settlement (~3200 BC):
  Egyptians began settling in the Theban region around 3200 BC, establishing the city known as Waset.

Golden Age as World Capital

• 1500 BC:
  Thebes continued to grow, potentially reaching a population of 75,000 and becoming the largest city in the world.

Decline and Subsequent History

• Amarna Period: Some of the city's administration was moved to Amarna during this time, but the population remained substantial.

Legacy

• Today, the ancient city of Thebes is located within the modern Egyptian city of Luxor, a major site of archaeological monuments and temples.

Early Capital (11th Dynasty):
Thebes became the royal city during the 11th Dynasty, marking its rise in importance.

40,000 Inhabitants (2000 BC):
By 2000 BC, Thebes had a population of roughly 40,000, making it the largest city in Egypt at the time.

New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BC):
During the New Kingdom, Thebes saw further population growth, with estimates placing it between 40,000 and 80,000. This era saw the construction of grand monuments like the temples of Karnak and Luxor.


Assyrian Sack (666 BC): Thebes was sacked by the Assyrians in 666 BC, marking the end of its reign as the thriving capital.


Dwindling Population: The city never fully recovered its former glory after the sack.


Roman Period: Thebes dwindled to the size of a village by the start of the Roman period.


Conquest: The city continued to fall to various empires, including the Persians, Romans, and eventually the Arab invasion of 640 CE.

 

[JLG]

Thebes (3)

• Settlement (~3200 BC):
  Egyptians began settling in the Theban region around 3200 BC, establishing the city known as Waset.

Golden Age as World Capital

• 1500 BC:
  Thebes continued to grow, potentially reaching a population of 75,000 and becoming the largest city in the world.

 

[JLG]

When was the Egyptian city of Memphis founded? (1)


The Egyptian city of Memphis was founded by the legendary King Menes (also known as Narmer) around 3100 BC (or 3200 BC) as the capital of the unified Upper and Lower Egypt. Its original name was "White Walls" and it served as the political and religious center of ancient Egypt for over three millennia.

Key details about the founding of Memphis:

• Founder: King Menes/Narmer, who unified the two parts of Egypt.
  

Approximate Date: Around 3100 or 3200 BC.


Original Name: "White Walls" (Inbw-hedj), likely referring to the king's palace built with whitewashed bricks.


Significance: It was the first capital of a unified Egypt and a major center for worship of the god Ptah.

 

[JLG]

- Evolution of the population of the Egyptian city of Memphis: (2)


The ancient Egyptian city of Memphis was once a populous center, possibly reaching 100,000 people at its peak around 1550 BCE, though estimates for the Old Kingdom vary between 6,000 and 30,000. Its importance declined after the New Kingdom as Thebes grew, and later Alexandria overshadowed it, eventually leading to its abandonment and use as a quarry for building materials after the 7th-century CE Muslim conquest. Today, its ruins are uninhabited, with the closest settlement being the town of Mit Rahina.

Early History and Peak Population

• Foundation:
  Founded by King Menes around 3100 BCE, Memphis served as the capital of Egypt and was strategically located between Upper and Lower Egypt.

Decline and Abandonment

• Shift in Importance:
  The city's importance began to wane after the New Kingdom, especially with the rise of Thebes as a major center.

Legacy

• Source of Materials: After its abandonment, the remaining structures of Memphis were dismantled, and their stones were reused in nearby villages and the construction of Cairo.
  

Old Kingdom:
During the Old Kingdom, sources offer varying estimates for its population, ranging from approximately 6,000 to 30,000 inhabitants.

New Kingdom Peak:
The city experienced significant economic and commercial growth, with its population potentially reaching as high as 100,000 people at its height around 1550 BCE.

Ptolemaic and Roman Eras:
Memphis remained a cosmopolitan city and an important provincial capital during the Hellenistic Ptolemaic (332–30 BCE) and early Roman periods.

Christianity and Abandonment:
The rise of Christianity led to the destruction of pagan temples, and the city began a serious decline.

Final Blow:
The Muslim conquest of Egypt in 640 CE and the establishment of a nearby garrison at Babylon marked the end of Memphis as a functioning city.


Modern Site: The physical site of the ancient city is now uninhabited, though it is near the town of Mit Rahina.


World Heritage: Memphis and its necropolis were designated a World Heritage Site in 1979.

 

[JLG]

Memphis (3)

• Foundation:
  Founded by King Menes around 3100 BCE, Memphis served as the capital of Egypt and was strategically located between Upper and Lower Egypt.

Old Kingdom:
During the Old Kingdom, sources offer varying estimates for its population, ranging from approximately 6,000 to 30,000 inhabitants.

New Kingdom Peak:
The city experienced significant economic and commercial growth, with its population potentially reaching as high as 100,000 people at its height around 1550 BCE.

 

[JLG]

When was the Egyptian city of Abydos founded? (1)


The Egyptian city of Abydos was not "founded" at a single point in time, but rather developed over millennia, with its origins in the predynastic period, around 4000–3500 BC. The earliest known graves date to this time, and the site rose to prominence during the Early Dynastic Period (c. 3150–2650 BC).

Key Points:

• Ancient Origins:
  Abydos is one of the oldest cities in ancient Egypt, with its beginnings in the predynastic period.
  

Predynastic and Early Dynastic Periods:
The site began to gain prominence around the late predynastic and Early Dynastic periods, marking the beginning of the dynastic era in Egypt.

Continuous Development:
Abydos was not a single foundation event but rather an evolving settlement that was continuously developed by later pharaohs.

Religious and Burial Center:
Abydos became a major cult center for the god Osiris and a crucial necropolis for many early pharaohs, with the first dynasty pharaohs all buried there.

 

[JLG]

- Evolution of the population of the Egyptian city of Abydos: (2)


Abydos' population was not given specific figures, but its population grew significantly with its importance as a religious and pilgrimage site, particularly with the cult of Osiris in the New Kingdom, and then declined in the Roman and Islamic periods when its religious significance waned and the city was largely abandoned. The site began as a prehistoric and protodynastic village and evolved into the major spiritual center of ancient Egypt, attracting people to live and worship there, before falling into obscurity.

Early History and Rise to Prominence

• Prehistoric and Protodynastic Origins:
  Abydos began as a prehistoric and protodynastic village and later became the city of Abdjou.

Golden Age and Decline

• New Kingdom Importance:
  Abydos continued to be a significant city during the Middle and New Kingdoms, remaining a spiritual center dedicated to Osiris.
  

Thinite Period:
During the 1st and 2nd Dynasties (Thinite period), the area served as the primary necropolis for the capital of This.

Cult of Osiris:
The cult of Osiris, a major deity, was established at Abydos during the Vth Dynasty. This made the city a crucial pilgrimage site, as it was believed to house the tomb of the god.

Growth and Prosperity:
As the importance of the Osiris cult and its temples increased, so did the population of the town, attracting more residents.

Roman Period:
Although its religious significance had diminished compared to previous eras, the city still attracted interest due to its association with Osiris.

Islamic Period and Obscurity:
By the Islamic period, Abydos fell into decline, with many of its ancient structures abandoned or repurposed. The city's status diminished with the rise of new Islamic centers and shifting political landscapes, leading to its relative obscurity.

 

[JLG]

Abydos

• Prehistoric and Protodynastic Origins: (3)
  Abydos began as a prehistoric and protodynastic village and later became the city of Abdjou.

Golden Age and Decline

• New Kingdom Importance:
  Abydos continued to be a significant city during the Middle and New Kingdoms, remaining a spiritual center dedicated to Osiris.

 

[JLG]

When was the Egyptian city of Faiyum founded? (1)


The Faiyum region has evidence of habitation as early as 7200 BCE, with the first agricultural community established around 5200 BCE. The settlement that would become the city of Faiyum, known then as Shedet or Crocodilopolis, was established by the Old Kingdom of Egypt, with continuous habitation and a city settlement by around 4000 BC.

Early History

• Paleolithic and Neolithic Eras: Evidence suggests the region was inhabited during these early periods.

Ancient and Classical Periods

• Old Kingdom (c. 2685–2180 BC):
  The settlement was known as Shedet and was a center for the cult of the crocodile-god Sobek, with a sacred crocodile named Petsuchos.

Therefore, while human habitation began much earlier, the city of Faiyum as a settled community, known as Shedet/Crocodilopolis, was founded around 4000 BCE during the Old Kingdom of Egypt.



Around 5200 BCE: The first agricultural community was established in the Faiyum, making it one of the earliest in Egypt.


Around 4000 BCE: A settlement was established, and the area began to be cultivated, leading to the development of early cultures like the Qaroun and Faiyum cultures.

Ptolemaic Dynasty:
The city was renamed Ptolemais Euergetis by the Ptolemies and later Arsinoe by Ptolemy Philadelphus.

Roman Rule:
The city continued to be populated during the Roman period, which is when some of the famous Faiyum mummy portraits were created.

 

[JLG]

- Evolution of the population of the Egyptian city of Faiyum: (2)


The Faiyum city's population evolved dramatically with significant climate-driven migrations and the rise and fall of civilizations, from early prehistoric settlement and migration to a prosperous Roman agricultural center and later decline and abandonment in the late 1st millennium AD before eventual partial restoration and new challenges.

Ancient History & Predynastic Period (c. 5000 BCE)

• Lush Paradise:
  The Faiyum Oasis was initially a fertile, lush environment with abundant food and wildlife, supporting early human life.
• First Major Migration:
  A drought around 4000 BCE led to a significant migration of people toward the Nile River Valley, leaving the Faiyum basin relatively deserted and contributing to the formation of early Egyptian communities.

Old Kingdom & Middle Kingdom

• Return to Prosperity:
  The region became a lush hunting ground for the Egyptian nobility and a flourishing oasis again.

Ptolemaic and Roman Periods

• A "Breadbasket":
  The Ptolemaic rulers expanded arable land, and the region became one of the breadbaskets of the Roman world.

Decline and Abandonment (Late 1st Millennium AD)

• Climate Change and System Decline:
  A combination of climatic changes and land reclamation efforts by the Romans led to a shrinking lake and a decline in the region's prosperity.
• Climate Migration:
  A severe third-century AD climate event, including drought and volcanic activity, resulted in the abandonment of many settlements in the region, forcing people to migrate.

Middle Ages and Modern Era

• Restoration Efforts:
  After the Arab conquest, efforts began to restore the Faiyum's irrigation systems, canals, and dykes to revive its agricultural productivity.
  

Establishment of Shedet (Crocodilopolis):
A settlement known as Shedet was established and grew into the center for the cult of the crocodile god Sobek, which led the Greeks to call it Crocodilopolis or "Crocodile City".

Center for Pyramids and Tombs:
During the Middle Kingdom, the Faiyum became a center for royal pyramid and tomb construction.

Peak Prosperity and Diversified Population:
The Faiyum was a thriving agricultural center where a diverse population of Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and other cultures resided, a diversity seen in the famous Faiyum mummy portraits.

Return to "Garden of Egypt":
By the 14th century, the Faiyum was once again known as the "garden of Egypt".

New Challenges:
However, this period also saw challenges from overpopulation and over-salination of Lake Qarun. Today, the population remains predominantly rural, reflecting the area's long agricultural history.

 

[JLG]

Faiyum (3)


Old Kingdom & Middle Kingdom

• Return to Prosperity:
  The region became a lush hunting ground for the Egyptian nobility and a flourishing oasis again.

 

[JLG]

When was the Egyptian city of Elephantine founded? (1)


The ancient Egyptian city of Elephantine began as early as the Naqada II Period (around 3500 BCE), with its oldest settlements found on the island's eastern ridge. A more developed settlement, with a fort and administrative buildings, emerged by the First Dynasty (around 3000 BCE) due to its strategic border location and importance as a trade hub.

Early Development

• Naqada II Period (c. 3500 BCE):
  The initial settlement on Elephantine can be dated to this period, showing continuous human use of the site.

Dynastic Era Importance

• First Dynasty (c. 3000 BCE):
  The town grew in importance, becoming a key border site and a center for stone quarried nearby. A towered fortress was also built on the eastern part of the island.
• Second Dynasty (c. 2800 BCE):
  The fortifications expanded to include the entire eastern isle, marking the town's maximum extent for the Old Kingdom.

Key Aspects of Elephantine

• Strategic Location:
  Situated at the first cataract of the Nile, it served as a crucial border post and trading point for goods, including ivory.
  

Naqada III Period (c. 3200 BCE):
The temple of Satet, an important deity on the island, was likely built or in use during this time, with construction continuing over the next millennium.

Religious Significance:
The island was home to important temples, such as the Temple of Satet and the Temple of Khnum, which was dedicated to a creator god.

Administrative and Residential Centers:
Archeological evidence indicates the presence of administrative buildings and residential quarters, suggesting a well-organized community.