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Sumer
Sumer was the southernmost region of ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq and Kuwait) which is generally considered the cradle of civilization. The name comes from Akkadian, the language of the north of Mesopotamia, and means “land of the...
Definition
Tomb
A tomb is an enclosed space for the repository of the remains of the dead. Traditionally tombs have been located in caves, underground, or in structures designed specifically for the purpose of containing the remains of deceased human beings...
Definition
Early Dynastic Period (Mesopotamia)
The Early Dynastic Period of Mesopotamia is the modern-day archaeological term for the era in Mesopotamian history – 2900-2334 BCE – during which some of the most significant cultural advances were made including the rise of the cities, the...
Definition
Godin Tepe
Godin Tepe is, today, an archaeological site in the Kangavar valley of Luristan, in western central Iran. The name means "hill of Godin" though what the settlement was called originally is unknown. The site was first discovered...
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Map of Mesopotamia, 2000-1600 BCE
A general map of Mesopotamia and its neighbouring territories which roughly covers the period from 2000-1600 BCE reveals the concentration of city states in Sumer, in the south. This is where the first true city-states arose, although...
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Map of the Akkadian Empire
The empire of Sargon, late 24th century BCE.
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The Akkadian Empire, c. 2334 - 2218 BCE
A map illustrating the rise of the Akkadian Empire from its origins in the city-state of Akkad. For the first time in history, Sargon the Great and his descendants managed to unite the whole of Mesopotamia, keeping the rival city-states under...
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The Akkadian Dynasty
A family tree of the Akkadian Dynasty, starting with La'ibum and Sargon of Akkad.
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Obelisk of Ur-Nanshe from Lagash
This large white limestone obelisk was found in Lagash, southern Mesopotamia, in modern-day Iraq. All of the 4 aspects of the obelisk were carved, in reliefs, with different scenes. The frontal surface depicts the Sumerian goddess Nisaba...
Definition
The Ancient City
In the study of the ancient world a City is generally defined as a large populated urban center of commerce and administration with a system of laws and, usually, regulated means of sanitation. This is only one definition, however, and the...