Blurb:

Picking up from the previous chapter dealing with the origins and ramifications of the agricultural 'revolution', this chapter looks closely at activity in the southern end of the Tigris-Euphrates valley at around 3100 BC and explores the Sumerians who have become identified with this region. Topics discussed:


- the city-state


- the early dynastic periods


- ruling families


- the 'great flood'


- urban development in the north


- the Elamites


- Sumerian archaeology


- The royal tombs of Ur


- musical instruments


- the Standard of Ur


- ideas about death and the afterlife (eschatology)


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