1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Ancient / Classical History

Ur

By , About.com Guide

Definition: Ur was an ancient Sumerian city that was settled in the late sixth millennium, during the Ubaid Period. By about 3000 B.C., the area of Ur was about 37 acres. During the Early Dynastic Period, Ur reached its maximum area of 124 acres and was one of the richest Sumerian cities because it was a harbor, and therefore trading, town on the Persian Gulf.

Ur is near the modern Iraqi city of An Nasiriya.

Sargon of Agade (2334–2279 B.C.) made his daughter Enheduanna the high priestess of the moon goddess Nanna at Ur. After about 2000 B.C., Ur became a minor city politically.

Source: James A. Armstrong "Ur" The Oxford Companion to Archaeology. Brian M. Fagan, ed., Oxford University Press 1996. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press.

Go to Other Ancient / Classical History Glossary pages beginning with the letter

a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | i | j | k | l | m | n | o | p | q | r | s | t | u | v | wxyz
Also Known As: Tell al-Muqayyar

Explore Ancient / Classical History

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Ancient / Classical History
  4. People and Places
  5. Places
  6. Asia
  7. Fertile Crescent/Near East
  8. Ur - About the Ancient Sumerian City of Ur>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.