The Uruk Revolution: The Invention Of The City Flashcards
When does writing begin?
During the 4th millenium
Where does Uruk expand and what is an effect of this?
Into southern Mesopotamia, cities develop and the size and number increases
Where is Uruk in modern term?
Warka
What caused the invention of writing?
Farming surpluses
Who tracks and dispenses food?
The temple complexes of Enanna and Kullaba
Who is the priest king and what is he seen doing?
Unknown if he was a real figure, he’s seen hunting and giving offerings to deities
What does writing from this period show?
The control of people and administrative affairs
How many texts are from Uruk III?
4882 texts
Name 5 roles of the Inanna precinct
- tracks number of buildings
- multiple deities worshipped here
- Uruk period texts here
- specialised craftsmen and many resources
- stone core temple, decorated with pegs driven into the wall
What is the white temple?
A Ziggurat to the god Anu
Academic opinion of the Uruk revolution
Van de Mieroop
- families are dependent upon one another
- families in cities usually have connections outside the city too
What artefact is good for figuring out the rations people received?
The bevelled-rim bowl. All Uruk pottery is as simple as this.
Which artefact depicts giving offerings to a deity?
The Uruk vase, 3200-3000, the king gives them directly to Inanna.
What are the messages behind the Uruk vase? (3)
- temple community working together to provide for a priestess
- abundance and organisation
- hierarchy and harmony
What early text is usefull?
The large proto Elamite account, even though we cannot fully understand it. It’s huge and involves names and numbers.
