Early Dynastic Period

Definition

Southern Mesopotamia was divided between competing city-states during the period 2900-2300 BCE. This so-called Early Dynastic period has three subdivisions based on archaeological finds made by the Oriental Institute of Chicago in the area of the Diyala, east of modern Baghdad. Early Dynastic I (around 2900-2800 BCE) saw the emergence of large independent cities such as Uruk. The cities were controlled by a king and his family, who owned vast estates.

Early Dynastic II (around 2800-2600 BCE) saw an increase in building and an improvement in the quality of artistic products like chlorite bowls, which also show connections with regions beyond Mesopotamia. The Early Dynastic II may be the period of rulers, like Gilgamesh, whose names survive in later legends.

The earliest writing is largely administrative, but by the beginning of Early Dynastic III (2600-2300 BCE) inscribed clay tablets contain many literary texts, including poetic hymns. Some of the best evidence for this period comes from the Royal Graves at Ur and the Dynasty of Lagash.

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Illustrations

Early Dynastic Period (Mesopotamia) Books

• Brotherhood of Kings: How International Relations Shaped the Ancient Near... Amanda H. Podany Oxford University Press, USA (09 July 2010) Price: $30.55

• Atlantis: The Evidence of Science Emmet Sweeney Algora Publishing (01 August 2010) Price: $22.95

• Uruk Mesopotamia & Its Neighbors: Cross-Cultural Interactions in the Era... Anonymous School of Amer Research Pr (01 December 2001) Price: $60.00

• The Archaeology of Mesopotamia: Theories and Approaches Roger Matthews Routledge (23 March 2003) Price: $33.07

• Cengage Advantage Books: Western Civilization: Beyond Boundaries, Volume... Thomas F. X. Noble Cengage Learning (01 January 2010) Price: $52.06