This is a ongoing research paper, and has been grown from a original review back in 2009 of excavations of the “City of Ur”. With ancient archaeology a great interest, and the significant amount of historical dominance we give to human civilization from these people, and the unknown connections to other peoples north of there along the same river ways several culture, and subcultures have traveled. With small early towns that date back to 9,000 BC and maybe even older, we have to consider, and postulate that human civilization possibly pre-dated our current understanding of human history, and academics need to research these connections further. This paper is a gathering of my research, and where I will expand this as time goes on.
The City of Ur
His work has led me to other books listed here that make up the bedrock of research into the historical record or the Reed peoples, The first known city of Eridu, and the City of Ur. When reading these works an overwhelming picture begins to form in regards to humanity living within these earliest known civilizations, and one does begin to wonder if the ideas and concepts of these peoples have present the possibility of an much earlier period of human existence. It is with this in mind that I am researching this particular area with a more in depth focus, and will look for links between these early civilizations, and connections north within present day Turkey. It is my goal to expand this work over time, and to develop this into a proper hypothesis, and thesis that has not be formulated to date.
I chose this subject originally for a simple reason. While serving in the US Army in 1991, I stumbled upon Woolley’s excavation site, and that of the other Archaeologists from around the world who came after him. Once I discovered the name of Ur through a translation from Arabic, I decided to discover it for myself. I visited the site over several days and found it fascinating. The temple, still being intact, stood in the center of the ruins and was the center of attention. The excavated burial caverns were still intact as well, but had been inhabited by the Iraqi Army during the war. On the far right side of the city there was a large dugout section that had collapsed. This section showed the many centuries of existence layer by layer. I recovered severed pieces of pottery and examined them. Since they were from one of the bottom layers, I would have to assume that they were several centuries old or older. There were doorway arches and humble homes or shops still in existence once Woolley opened them up. Some of these structures were used to live in once he left. It is really amazing that something so old was so well preserved. I can fully understand where Woolley was coming from in regards to seeing Ur for the first time. To stand there in awe and visualize in one’s mind an active city full of life, or to imagine Abraham going to his father and saying it was time to leave the greatest city of its time sparks the imagination. To see the present day inhabitants living as desert wanderers, going from site, to site was very surprising. Since these people could be ancestors to the early Ur city dwellers, it is disturbing how far man’s civilization can collapse. This has been just another illustration to me how history does repeat itself. Researching this subject and reading these books, journals, and research papers are fulfilling an idea that I once started almost 28 years ago. I hope the caretakers of the site are able to preserve this ancient city for further examination in the future, as I know under the sand there is history of a time long lost and forgotten.
The contents of Woolley’s written material are broken down into nine chapters. Chapter one looks at the beginnings of Ur, and tries to lay out in chronological order the time before Ur all the way up to 300 BC with Nebuchadnezzar II and the last days of Ur. The book is organized well, but with some heavy editing to remove most of Woolley’s biblical references that were in the original material. This is laid out in great detail by the editor P.R.S. Moorey, since he thought there were inaccurate assumptions. Since Woolley was educated as a minister, and was the son of a minister, he thought the use of biblical references were inappropriate.
My favorite chapter would have to be the “Beginnings of Ur “. I found it intriguing how British consul J.E.Taylorattempted over several years to excavate the site, but could not due to the region’s instability. It is interesting how little things have changed from then to now. The ruins of Ur were found and first excavated by the British consul J.E. Taylor, who partly uncovered the Ziggurat of Nanna. The British Museum began excavations there in 1919 and was joined later by the Museum of the University of Pennsylvania. The expedition completely excavated the ziggurat, the entire temple area at Ur, and parts of the residential and commercial quarters of the city. When Woolley excavated the site, the most spectacular discovery was the Royal Cemetery. There were items buried with the dead to include pottery, headdresses, and a bull headed lyre statue that combined different metals. There was a bottom base of some kind of table, but the wood was long gone.
During the 5th millennium BC a people known as the Ubaidians established settlements in the region known later as Sumer; these settlements gradually developed into the chief Sumerian cities, namely Adab, Eridu, Isin, Kish, Kullab, Lagash, Larsa, Nippur, and Ur. The early settlers were people who inhabited villages that were laid out along the marsh waters of the river Euphrates. They built up these villages using mud and reeds as building materials. Their diets seemed to consist of fish and grass grains farmed along the river. When the first early city center was established, it appeared to be well thought out. With store rooms and courtyards excavated there was evidence of the local grains and animal husbandry, including cattle and pigs. This would lead me to think that trade routes were well established at this time.
The early inhabitants were very similar to the Marsh Arabs and there would not be very much evidence available to archaeologists today. One thing this chapter did lay out is that there was evidence from Ur to support that Eridu was about 12 miles from Ur, and was the oldest city site. The early marsh-type people are named the Ubaid people. They were agriculturalists, as many hoes and sickles are evident at sites. The sickles were made of baked clay, which I find amazing. Somehow they figured out a way to create cutting implements by hardening a pottery-based implement, a very ingenious idea. However, the credit for establishing the civilization should go to the Sumerians who were the second settlers. They brought art and literature which far surpassed that of the Ubaidians. The beginnings of most of the western ideas regarding time and possible legal matters can be found in Sumer clay tablets. It is with this information historians, archaeologists, and anthropologists can begin to lay the foundations our current historical overview. From the obvious fact that bodies of water have changed over time leaving us early mounds of reed people inhabitation to the cities of the region. The first world cities and civilization were formed and lay beneath the sand, and hopefully one day archaeologists will be able to fully excavate this land and establish linkage to other possible site, and documentation for future generations to follow.
Before Ur the city of Eridu had already existed and may have continued to exist during the same period of time. With information gleaned from the Greeks passed down from the remnants of the Babylonian empire this is the creating myth of Eridu and how it came to be in existence. Now as with most information passed down over thousands of years there is an element of truth that may be able to be gleaned from the information. The first king of Ur was known as Mes-Anni-Padda, from the first Dynasty of Ur (late 4th-early 3rd millennium BCE), and he was succeeded by his son, A-Anni-Padda. During the rule of these kings Ur was constantly at war with other city states of Mesopotamia. Raiders attacking from Akkad, ended the First Dynasty of Ur. Ur then entered a stage similar to the Dark Ages in Europe after the fall of Rome, and remained that way until a new king, Ur-Nammu, came to power. Under the rule of this new king a government was established and time was taken to revitalize life in Ur, and to promote the patron moon god of Ur, Nannar. Temples were built, including the biggest and most beautiful of them all, the Ziggurat. This, along with an increase in irrigation and agriculture ended the first depression of Ur. The temple of Ziggurat still stands today and with its steps intact can be climbed to the top.
I found this book very enlightening and informative. The author did a great job laying out the material in a way that anyone can grasp. Beginning with the excavations, earliest the book documents the early and later history of the region. The in depth coverage of the burial site was great, since it really was the biggest find of its time. This book helped me immensely in filling in the detailed information regarding the temple of Ziggurat. The editor of this edition also did a good job. I think it is interesting how the core of Woolleys material still stands on its own merit today. His writing style and information was easy to comprehend and allowed one to follow along quite well. There is some information towards the end of the book regarding the area around Ur after the demise of the city. Information regarding this time period is important and informative, but I am not sure it belongs in this work. This time period could be a book apart from Ur by itself. The information presented here cannot be understated, since it really sent the world of archaeology into the public mainstream and put physical images into the hands of Bible scholars. This was one of the main finds that Bible scholars believed help validate the Torah of Judaism.
Where did the early technology of the Sumerian City of Eridu come from?
The Black Sea Hypothesis
I think is important to point out Geography map wise and begin to fill in the different puzzle pieces in order to consider my hypothesis that Eridu was not the first human civilization but only a larger city or providence of similar style and technology that predates what they had. Religion, and mythology can give us a glimpse of these ideas, and I’m going to expand upon this as I go. But first I want to talk about the Eridu creation myth.
Sources
Woolley, Sir Leonard. Editor P.R.S. Moorey Ur ‘of the Chaldees’ : a revised and updated edition of Sir Leonard Woolley’s Excavations at Ur. Ithaca, N.Y: Cornell University Press, 1982.
http://www.ur-online.org/
Here are some keywords you can search to continue your research.
hebrew language, book of genesis, semitic languages, arabs, chaldea, abraham, mesopotamia, ur of the chaldees, assyria, ur, canaan, babylonia, euphrates, sumer, nebuchadnezzar ii, faith, old testament, aramaic, leonard woolley, achaemenid empire, lower mesopotamia, haran, king james version, syria, septuagint, hebrew bible, cuneiform, persian gulf, arameans, archaeology, iraq, civilization, new testament, uruk, babylonian captivity, urfa, dynasty, terah, upper mesopotamia, ziggurat, medes, encyclopedia, amorites, british museum, book of abraham, near east, harran, ancient near east, cult, nabopolassar, flood, book of mormon, bible study, kassites, book of daniel, levant, empire, edessa, anatolia, biblical archaeology, tigris, priest, chaldean dynasty, bronze age, phoenicia, knowledge, isaac, ebla, evidence, latin, sacrifice, jews, arabian peninsula, eusebius, religious studies center, pearl of great price, revised standard version, gospel, eupolemus, anachronism, fertile crescent, nabonidus, culture, israelites, tribe, sin, lapis lazuli, textus receptus, lingua franca, historian, book of nehemiah, torah, dialect, third dynasty of ur, greeks, new american standard bible, sargon ii, religion, ezra, pharaoh, new international version, heaven, biblical studies, hugh nibley, famine, arpachshad, kish, strabo, book of isaiah, english standard version, sand, burial, lexicon, the jewish encyclopedia, coast, salt lake city, jacob, ziggurat of ur, reina valera, biblical hebrew, penn museum, isaiah, learning, silver, tongue, pronunciation, isbn, assyriology, cemetery, baghdad, worship, new living translation, palace, new king james version, sargon of akkad, loanword, encyclopædia britannica, patriarch, divinity, biblical archaeology review, alexander polyhistor, hittites, aram, wall, middle babylonian period, sibilant, etymology, ammon, old aramaic, eastern arabia, sarah, brigham young, pottery, brigham young university, ancient history, judaism, new revised standard version, roof, yahweh, altar, clay, joshua, law, tomb, tower of babel, brick, wood, research, scribe, the gospel, metal, first dynasty of ur, plural, contemporary english version, world english bible, ruins, book of deuteronomy, american standard version, bronze, revised standard version catholic edition, deity, larsa, eridu, prophecy, second temple, artifact, esau, irrigation, holman christian standard bible, inheritance, audiobook, samuel, evangelical heritage version, catholic bible, dagger, modern english version, idolatry, prayer, paperback, soil, chariot, akkadian empire, the exodus, amplified bible, new american bible, trench, common english bible, nile, geneva bible, kingdom of israel, inlay, wealth, tree of life version, mud, kingdom of judah, necklace, david, ubaid period, covenant, shem, hammurabi, verb, father, cylinder, cyrus the great, angle, book of judges, holy spirit, lexham english bible, shulgi, elam, university of pennsylvania, university of rochester medical center, step pyramid, john george taylor, world history encyclopedia, strong memorial hospital, isin, architecture, retrieved, shrine, max mallowan
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ur of Chaldees today?
Ur of Chaldees is believed to be located near the modern city of Nasiriyah in southern Iraq. It holds historical significance as the birthplace of Abraham, a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The ancient ruins of Ur stand as a testament to its rich history and cultural importance.
What is the Ur of Chaldees?
The Ur of Chaldees refers to the ancient city of Ur in Mesopotamia, located in what is now modern-day Iraq. It is known for its historical significance as one of the earliest urban centers in human civilization, dating back to around 3800 BCE.
What does Ur of the Chaldees mean?
Ur of the Chaldees refers to the birthplace of Abraham, a significant figure in religious texts. It symbolizes the origins and heritage of Abraham, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the region in ancient times.
What is Ur of the Chaldeans called today?
Ur of the Chaldeans is known as Tell el-Muqayyar today. It is located in present-day Dhi Qar Province, Iraq. The archaeological site holds historical significance as the birthplace of the biblical figure Abraham. The ruins of this ancient city provide insights into the rich history of the region.
Where is the land of Ur of the Chaldees?
The land of Ur of the Chaldees is located in modern-day southern Iraq near the ancient city of Ur. It is believed to be the birthplace of the biblical patriarch Abraham.
Are Chaldeans and Babylonians the same?
Chaldeans and Babylonians are closely related historically, but they are not the same. The Chaldeans were a specific group within Babylonian society known for their contributions to astronomy and astrology. Babylonians, on the other hand, were the larger population of the ancient city-state of Babylon in Mesopotamia.
Chaldeans are from what country?
The Chaldeans originated from the southern region of Babylonia, which is located in present-day Iraq. They were known for their contributions to astrology, mathematics, and astronomy during ancient times.
When was Ur of the Chaldees built?
Ur of the Chaldees was built around 3800 BC, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. The city flourished in the ancient Mesopotamian region and was a significant urban center during its time.
Chaldean is from what country?
Chaldean originates from Iraq, specifically from the ancient region of Chaldea in Mesopotamia. This ethnic group holds a rich history and cultural heritage that dates back to antiquity, with significant contributions to various fields like astrology, mathematics, and literature.
What year did Abraham leave Ur of the Chaldees?
Abraham left Ur of the Chaldees in approximately 2000 BC.
How old was Sarah and Abraham when they left Ur of the Chaldees?
Sarah was 65 years old, and Abraham was 75 years old when they left Ur of the Chaldees.
Where is Chaldees?
Chaldees is an ancient region in the southeastern part of Mesopotamia, known for its significant historical and biblical references, particularly associated with the Chaldeans, an ancient Semitic people who lived there.
Chaldeans speak what language?
The Chaldeans historically spoke Aramaic, a Semitic language. Aramaic was the language used in ancient Babylonian and Assyrian cultures, including during the time of the Chaldean Empire. Today, Aramaic is considered a classical language and is still spoken among some Assyrian and Chaldean communities.
What is known of Ur of the Chaldeans?
Ur of the Chaldeans is an ancient city mentioned in the Bible as the birthplace of Abraham. It was located in present-day southern Iraq and was a significant Sumerian city during the third millennium BCE. The site has yielded valuable archaeological findings, shedding light on ancient Mesopotamian civilization.
Chaldeans what did they do?
The Chaldeans were an ancient Semitic people known for their contributions to astronomy and mathematics. They are credited with developing the earliest known base-60 numerical system and making significant advancements in predicting celestial events. Additionally, the Chaldeans established a powerful empire in Mesopotamia and played a key role in shaping the region's history.
Chaldeans how to pronounce?
The correct pronunciation of "Chaldeans" is pronounced as "kal-dee-uhns." It is important to emphasize the second syllable while saying "de" and to avoid placing emphasis on the "Ch" sound at the beginning.
What was Ur of the Chaldees like?
Ur of the Chaldees was a prominent city in ancient Mesopotamia known for its advanced civilization, intricate architecture, and vibrant culture. The city thrived as a center of trade and religion, with a sophisticated system of governance and a populace skilled in various crafts and trades. Its temples and ziggurats stood as impressive landmarks, showcasing the city's dedication to art and architecture.
Where is Ur of Chaldees located today?
Ur of Chaldees is located in present-day Iraq, near the modern city of Nasiriyah. It is an ancient city that holds historical significance and is thought to be the birthplace of the biblical figure Abraham.
What does Ur of the Chaldeans mean?
Ur of the Chaldeans was an ancient city in Mesopotamia where Abraham, the biblical figure, was believed to have originated from. It was an important center of culture, trade, and religion, known for its ziggurat and historical significance.
When did Abraham leave Ur of the Chaldees?
Abraham left Ur of the Chaldees around 1900 BC.
Where is the Ur of Chaldees?
Ur of the Chaldees is a historical city believed to have been located near the modern-day city of Nasiriyah in southern Iraq. It is known as the birthplace of the biblical figure Abraham and holds significance in religious and archaeological contexts.
What is Ur of the Chaldees?
Ur of the Chaldees is an ancient city mentioned in the Bible as the birthplace of Abraham. Located in present-day Iraq, it was a significant urban center in Mesopotamia known for its advanced culture and as a hub of trade and commerce in the ancient Near East.
How far from Ur of the Chaldees to Jerusalem, Israel?
The distance from Ur of the Chaldees to Jerusalem, Israel, is approximately 806 miles, which would take around 13 to 14 days to travel by foot during ancient times. This journey would have crossed various terrains and required careful planning for supplies and resting stops.
What country is Ur of the Chaldees?
Ur of the Chaldees is believed to have been located in ancient Mesopotamia, specifically in what is now modern-day Iraq. This region is historically significant as the birthplace of Abraham, a central figure in the Abrahamic religions.
Where is Ur of Chaldees?
Ur of Chaldees is located in present-day southeastern Iraq, near the Euphrates River. It is an ancient city that holds historical and biblical significance, known as the birthplace of Abraham in the Bible.
Is Ur of Chaldees in Canaan?
No, Ur of Chaldees is not in Canaan. Ur of Chaldees is located in Mesopotamia, which is in present-day Iraq. Canaan, on the other hand, is a historical region in the Near East that roughly corresponds to modern-day Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
How far from Ur of the Chaldees to Haran?
The distance from Ur of the Chaldees to Haran is approximately 600 miles, depending on the specific route taken. The journey typically takes about 20 days by foot or caravan, crossing the desert wilderness and following ancient trade routes.
What was the Chaldean Empire?
The Chaldean Empire was an ancient civilization centered in Mesopotamia, known for its advancements in astronomy, mathematics, and astrology. Led by King Nebuchadnezzar II, it conquered the Assyrian Empire and rebuilt Babylon into a magnificent city with the Hanging Gardens as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
How old was Abram when God called him in Ur of the Chaldees?
When God called Abram in Ur of the Chaldees, he was seventy-five years old.
What country is Ur of the Chaldees today?
Ur of the Chaldees is located in modern-day southern Iraq, near the city of Nasiriyah. This historical city was a significant Sumerian urban center in ancient Mesopotamia, known for its ziggurat and biblical connections to the prophet Abraham.
What is Ur of the Chaldeans?
Ur of the Chaldeans was an ancient city in Mesopotamia, known as a significant Sumerian city-state. This city is most famously associated with the biblical figure Abraham, who was said to have originated from Ur before his journey to Canaan.
Are there Chaldeans today?
Yes, there are Chaldeans today distributed across various regions, notably in Iraq, the United States, and other countries. They have preserved their cultural identity through language, customs, and religious practices, maintaining a strong sense of community and heritage despite challenges and migrations.
Where is the Ur of the Chaldeans?
The Ur of the Chaldeans is located in present-day southern Iraq, near the city of Nasiriyah. This ancient city is known for its historical significance as the birthplace of the biblical figure Abraham.
Is Ur of the Chaldeans Babylon?
Ur of the Chaldeans is believed to be a city in ancient Mesopotamia, while Babylon was a prominent city in the same region. Historically, Ur and Babylon were distinct cities, each with its own significance and history in the ancient Mesopotamian world.
Where is ancient Chaldee and Ur?
Ancient Chaldee and Ur are located in what is now modern-day Iraq, specifically in the southern region near the Euphrates River. These historical sites hold significance for their connection to early civilizations and the development of ancient cultures in Mesopotamia.
Is Ur Kasdim Ur of the Chaldees?
The term "Ur Kasdim" translates to "Ur of the Chaldees." It is believed to refer to the ancient city of Ur in Mesopotamia, associated with the Chaldeans. The designation helps pinpoint the specific location and historical context of the city in ancient times.
How to pronounce Ur of the Chaldees?
Pronounce "Ur of the Chaldees" as "OOR of the KAL-deez.
What gods did Ur of Chaldees worship?
The city of Ur of Chaldees worshipped a pantheon of gods, including the moon god Nanna, the sun god Utu, and the goddess of love and war, Inanna. These deities held significant importance in the religious practices and beliefs of the people of Ur.
How did Ur of the Chaldees fall?
Ur of the Chaldees fell due to a combination of factors including invasions, natural disasters, and a decline in trade routes. Political instability and the shift of power also played a significant role in the downfall of this ancient city.
What artifacts were found in Ur?
In the ancient city of Ur, archaeologists discovered various artifacts such as jewelry, pottery, cylinder seals, and statues. These items provide insights into the culture, trade, and craftsmanship of the people who lived in Mesopotamia during that time period.
Who excavated Ur of the Chaldees?
Ur of the Chaldees was excavated by Sir Leonard Woolley in the 1920s. Woolley's archaeological discoveries at Ur provided significant insights into Sumerian culture and history, shedding light on the ancient city's prominence and influence in Mesopotamia.
What was Urs role in Mesopotamia?
Urs played a crucial role in Mesopotamia as a skilled craftsman, creating intricate pottery and tools that were essential for daily life and trade. Additionally, Urs served as a respected member of the community, contributing to the cultural and economic prosperity of the region.
Did Ur have a distinct culture?
Ur was a city in ancient Mesopotamia that had a distinct culture characterized by its advanced architecture, worship of multiple deities, intricate burial practices, and significant contributions to art and literature. The city's culture reflected a sophisticated society with a rich heritage.
What religions influenced Ur of the Chaldees?
Ur of the Chaldees was influenced by several religions, primarily worshiping the moon god, Sin. Other influences included the worship of Inanna, Nanna, and Shamash, reflecting a blend of Sumerian and Semitic religious practices in the region.
How was Ur of the Chaldees destroyed?
Ur of the Chaldees was primarily destroyed because of the decline in the water table, leading to economic collapse and eventual abandonment of the city. The changing trade routes also contributed to its downfall as it lost relevance as a commercial hub.
What architectural feats existed in Ur?
In Ur, architectural feats included the Great Ziggurat, a massive stepped temple tower dedicated to the moon god Nanna. The city also featured palaces, public buildings, and houses made of baked mud bricks, showcasing advanced construction techniques and urban planning for their time.
ur of the chaldees, ur area, where is ur, ur of the chaldeans
