Early Dynastic Period in Mesopotamia: Era of Many of the "Firsts" in Civilization

Q: When was the Early Dynastic period in Mesopotamia?

The Early Dynastic period in Mesopotamia is dated circa 2900 to circa 2350/2334 BCE.

Q: Was the Early Dynastic period the first phase in Mesopotamian history?

No. The Early Dynastic period in Mesopotamia was preceded by the Ubaid period (circa 6500-4000 BCE) and the Uruk period (circa 4000-3100 BCE).

Q: Why is the Early Dynastic period in Mesopotamia important?

The Early Dynastic period in Mesopotamia is important because it saw the invention of many of the most important aspects of civilization, including the development of cities, writing, written language, agricultural and architectural developments, and the establishment of central governments.

Q: Why did the Early Dynastic period in Mesopotamia end?

The Early Dynastic period in Mesopotamia ended when the region was conquered by Sargon of Akkad (reign 2334-2279 BCE), who founded the Akkadian Empire.

Joshua J. Mark

Definition

The Early Dynastic period in Mesopotamia is the modern-day archaeological term for the era in Mesopotamian history – circa 2900 to circa 2350/2334 BCE – during which some of the most significant cultural advances were made, including the rise of the cities, the development of writing, and the establishment of governments.

More about: Early Dynastic Period in Mesopotamia

Timeline

4500 BCE
First walled cities. Uruk in Mesopotamia first city.
c. 2900 BCE
Probable date of the regional Great Flood when the river Euphrates rose.
2750 BCE
Secular rulers replace priests.
c. 2750 BCE
The city of Tyre is founded.
2700 BCE
Hatti people establish trade with the city of Sumer.
c. 2600 BCE
Uruk ruled by Gilgamesh for 126 years according to the Sumerian King List.
c. 2600 BCE
The Myth of Etana written.
c. 2500 BCE
Beginning of literature in Sumerian.
2400 BCE
First use of war chariots in Mesopotamia.
2350 BCE
First code of laws by Urukagina, king of Lagash.
c. 2330 BCE
Sargon of Akkad sacks Ur.
c. 2300 BCE
The Eridu Genesis - The Sumerian Flood Story - is composed.