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You are here: Home / Archives for Anthropology / Archeology

Archeology

Bangkok Thailand Travel and Adventure Guide

May 28, 2019 by ExploreTraveler Leave a Comment

Bangkok Thailand Explore Travel an experience.
Bangkok Thailand Explore Travel an experience.

Bangkok (Siam) Thailand Guide

This Bangkok Sipan Thailand and travel guide are meant to be free of charge to the general public. Re-publishing is allowed if a link back to this original article.


このバンコクSipanタイと旅行ガイドは一般に無料であるように意図されています。この元の記事へのリンクであれば、再公開は許可されています。
Kono Bankoku Sipan Tai to ryokō gaido wa ippan'ni muryōdearu yō ni ito sa rete imasu. Kono gen no kiji e no rinkudeareba, sai kōkai wa kyoka sa rete imasu.
Bangkok Thailand Travel Guide Tuk Tuk
Bangkok Thailand Travel Guide Tuk Tuk

Tuk-Tuk Enters The Thailand Scene

Tuk Tuk innovation is alive and well in Thailand. The art of small vehicles of transport is being used all over the world. Sure there are times we need to carry more, but most things are done carrying nothing but our purse or wallet. It is for those times that we have the tuk-tuk. It is small. It uses way less gas. It is open and cool.  It lets the breezes blow through the vehicle. It is covered to protect from sun or rain. It is the mini taxi of tomorrow.  It is the Tuk Tuk!

The tuk-tuk is the brainchild of the Japanese. They came to Thailand during the Japanese occupation of World War II and have never left. They have replaced the man-powered rickshaw and the petaled rickshaw in many cities and larger villages. The tuk-tuk is known and used the world over by many different names. Whether you call it a moto taxi, a tuk-tuk or a tok-tok, its popularity remains. In Egypt, it is used as a source of transportation for the poorer parts of the cities. It has become a symbol of the lower class. It is outright banned in many wealthy neighborhoods of Egypt. In Gaza, they are a part of daily life. They smuggle them in from Egypt in pieces and reassemble them.  They are popular in India and The Philippines. They have greatly helped the struggling economy after  Typhoon Yvonne. Throughout Asia they provide a needed service, at a price people can afford. In Madagascar, they are a threat to a way of life. The human-powered rickshaw is still in use there.  The tuk-tuk is unwelcome!  In Italy, the tuk-tuk is a major player in everyday life. They are extremely popular in the cities and larger villages.  In tourist towns the world over, they are a novelty and are used as tourist taxis.  No matter where you live, the tuk-tuk is on the horizon as the taxi of tomorrow. It is fun! It is cost effective! It is the mighty tuk-tuk!

On your next trip to Thailand, be sure to check out the tuk-tuk. It is a photographers delight! Have you ever tried getting a picture from a speeding taxi? The tuk-tuk is the perfect answer to tourist sightseeing. They are affordable. They maneuver traffic jams easily. No one wants to waste half a day stuck in traffic. See the sights without hassle. This is a vehicle that tourists can not get enough of.  Discover the tuk-tuk on your next Thailand vacation.

Traditional Thai Dancing

The traditional Thai Dance dates back to ancient Siamese times.
Thai Dancer dates an ancient Siamese art.
The traditional Thai Dance dates back to ancient Siamese times.
The traditional Thai Dance dates back to ancient Siamese times.

Bangkok’s Grand Palace: The Palace of the Kings

Bangkok's Grand Palace
Bangkok’s Grand Palace: The Palace of the Kings.

Bangkok’s Grand Palace is another Asian delight. In many countries, Kings, Queens, and palaces are everyday words. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit the outer courts of the Kings Palace? Come along with me and let’s go to Thailand, the home of Bangkok’s Grand Palace.

Bangkok Thailand travel is not complete unless you begin at Bangkok’s Grand Palace is an absolute must see on any trip to Thailand. Within the outer gates is a complex that is rich in history with unbelievable architecture made from real gold. The wealth of the palace and its artifacts are so valuable that you must leave your credit card or passport at the front entrance to ensure that you exit the grounds correctly. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, located within the gates, is one of the Holiest sites in Thailand. The palace was the official home to the Kings of Siam (Thailand) since the year of 1782. The King, his court, and other royalty called this palace home until the year 1925.

Bangkok Thailand Boat Adventures for all ages
Bangkok Thailand Boat Adventures for all ages.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama XI), currently calls Chitralada Palace home. Even though the newer palace is the current home to the monarch, Bangkok’s Grand Palace still functions for all the official events during the year. There are several royal ceremonies and special festivities that are held yearly within the walls of Grand Palace. Bangkok’s Grand Palace is one of the most visited of Thailand’s many popular tourist attractions. A link listing the various events held within the palace walls follows this article.

Construction of Bangkok’s Grand Palace began in 1782 and continued throughout the official life of the palace. In 1925 it ceased to be the official home of the King and the Royal Government. In 1932 the official absolute monarchy of the reigning King was absolved. At this time all the government agencies moved out of the palace completely. It is now only used for special events and is a major tourist attraction.

Thailand ancient architecture.
Thailand ancient architecture.

Please note: There is an official dress code for men and women when visiting Bangkok’s Grand Palace. No bare feet, see-through clothes, tank tops, sleeveless dresses, or short pants are allowed. If you are in question as to if you are modestly dressed, you probably need to cover up.

Bangkok’s Grand Palace is open daily from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm unless there are special events being held. The different events throughout the year are listed in the following table. The admission is the equivalent of $3.05 USD plus you must have a passport or credit card to leave at the front office for security.

Wat Phra Kaew Bangkok Thailand 

This is the Temple of The Emerald Buddha and is located inside the grounds of the Grand Palace. There are
40, 717 temples throughout Thailand and 33,902 of these are in current use. Of all these, the Temple of The Emerald Buddha is the most important.

Old Siam (Thailand Capital) Home And Main Temple For The Emperor. 

If you enjoy history, you will not want to miss Old Siam. The temples are magnificent, though not as well preserved as many of the other ancient temples throughout Thailand.

The Stunning And Colorful Glass Mosaics Of Thailand Architecture 

“Bangkok Thailand Travel and Adventure Guide” The exploration continues!

The temples of Thailand are uniquely artistic. They are loaded with gold, colorful glass, and extremely stunning. There is nothing in the world like this beautiful architecture.

Exploring Thailand’s Jungles

Adventurers of all ages will not want to miss out on taking one of the many jungle treks. The jungle is a colorful place that is always alive with a huge number of species of wildlife. You will have the opportunity to hear and see the many birds and animals of the jungle in their own habit. There is nothing in the world that is comparable.

 Fish Spa Pedicure In Thailand. “Nibble~Nibble” 

Are you ready to let skin eating fish give you a pedicure? You will find these little shops throughout the city.  The fish are hungry, are you ready?

Thailand’s consumer fish, where the fish are the consumers, and they get the job done!  Are your feet dry and flakey?  Is psoriasis a problem? Are you bothered with eczema? Maybe you need a real, live, pedicure. A pedicure where all the little fishes get together to eat. You need, Thailand’s consumer Fish! Yes, that’s right, the consumer is now paying to be consumed. It’s all in a day’s work for the Garra Rufa fish. Thailand’s consumer fish, commonly known as, Doctor Fish, spend their whole day swimming around in a large tank waiting……for you!

Thailand’s consumer fish vary in size, some as large as two inches long. The larger the fish, the harder the nibble. The harder they work, the more it tickles. But this is not a place to get squeamish or squeally! You have just paid to sit back, relax, and let them work! So grab your phone! Send those texts! Relax with a cup of tea. You have just entered the work zone.

Just what are Thailand’s consumer fish doing for you? This is an ancient and natural treatment of foot massage and pedicure. The fish will not hurt you. They have no teeth. These little fish stimulate the acupuncture points on the feet. This helps to relax your nervous system and your body. Your fatigue will melt away. You will sleep better, reduce foot numbness, have softer skin, and gain a deeper appreciation for the Garra Rufa Fish.

So while in Thailand, head to the beach and get a foot massage. Experience nature’s finest consumers. Grab a book! Sit back! Relax!  The total price to be a fish buffet is only around 9.95 USD. The softness of your feet will last for days! And when Thailand’s consumer fish are done, head to your nearest café, for Thailand’s best cuisine.

For those who just can’t get away and want to try this, I included a link for locations in the USA. Enjoy!

http://doctorfishmassage.com/location/?st_id=fl

Lotus root dish
Lotus root dish.

Famous Food Dishes in Bangkok

Lotus root nutrition and enjoyment

Eating in Thailand, in general, is an adventure within itself but there are some unique dishes that one should look out for and try. Our favorite vegetable dish is the lotus root and it comes with some strong nutrition to help keep you going. All of the curry dished are wonderful and eat different version should be tried at least once. Now a word of caution to the spicy level and make sure to ask about this before ordering.

Wat Pho Buddha
Feet of the Reclining Wat Pho Buddha in Thailand, measuring an amazing 150 feet in length!

Wat Pho Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho or Temple of the Reclining Buddha is one of the most attractive temples in Bangkok. Every year tourists and believers alike visit this temple just south of the Grand Palace in the city of Bangkok. Here is where the Reclining Buddha is housed. Wat Pho Temple is one of six first class or Royal temples. Wat Pho is also the oldest and largest temple compound in Bangkok. There are over 1,000 Buddha images within the Temple walls. Most of these came from abandoned temples by the direction of  King Rama I.

Wat Pho Temple is famous for the humongous gold-plated image of Phra Phuttha Saiyat or the famous reclining Buddha. The statue was built during the reign of King Rama III. It is believed that the image depicts the passing of the Buddha into final Nirvana after his death. His feet, which measure 150 feet in length, have 108 Mother of Pearl gems. This is a reminder of the 108  characteristics of the Buddha. Near the image of Phra Phuttha Saiyat are 108 bronze bowls. People believe that donating coins in the bowls will bring good fortune.

There is a small garden near to where the Phra Phuttha Saiyat is housed. Within the garden is a Bodhi tree from the Bodhgaya in India. This was the place where the Buddha is believed by his followers to have reached enlightenment.

Bangkok Thailand Travel Guide Wat Pho Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho Temple is in the Old Rattanakosin area on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is next to the Grand Place. The most direct way to arrive is by the express riverboat. From the pier, it is a short walk and impossible to get turned around.

The Wat Pho Temple compound is open daily from 8 am until 5 pm. It is closed from 12 noon till 1 pm for lunch.  Entrance fee is 50 Thai Baht per person.

On your next visit to Bangkok, take time to visit the Wat Pho Temple, and the other temples in the area. The architecture is amazing. Make today the day you book your Thailand vacation. Adventure is waiting in Thailand.

Floating Markets of Thailand

Another Bangkok Thailand travel tip is the Floating markets, and during the years of 1350-1767 became important trading centers. Thailand has an abundance of rivers and canals that crisscross the country. These waterways provided the major transportation link for the local residents during this time. The soils on the banks of the rivers and canals are especially fertile and rich. These banks are the perfect place to grow the many fruits and vegetables that are so abundant in Thailand. Thailand is famous for Malacca grape, Chinese grapefruit, star fruit, mangoes, bananas, and coconuts.

During the years of 1782-1868 these markets were still a major way of connecting the neighboring farmers with the city dwellers of the central part of Thailand. In the late 1800‘s roads and rail networks were constructed in the country. During this time period, people began to prefer to use these roads to go to market. It was then that the riverside markets started to flourish. Many of these have survived till today.

Floating Markets of Thailand
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

These river communities also resulted in a number of floating markets. The Chao Phraya River Basin became a hub for these popular markets. Today you will find many markets that are mainly for tourists in Bangkok. Floating markets outside the city mainly cater to the local needs of the communities and are smaller.

The floating markets contain stories of people’s lives and have a special charisma. Many of the main markets have been renovated and brought back to life. It is a major part of Thai life that allow today’s generations to see the life of their ancestors in action. Tourists from abroad also flock to these markets. They have become sources of tourist revenue for the local farmers. Usually, you will also find the riverside shops on the banks selling the many products and foods of Thailand.

Selling vegetables along the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Selling vegetables along the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Thailand is a fascinating Asian country to visit. It is not too early to book your next Asian adventure. While in Bangkok, be sure to visit the floating markets. Pick up some of the beautiful handicrafts found in the Riverside markets, grab some wonderful fruit off the moving boats, and try some native noodle dishes for dinner. For a list of some of the major markets near and in Bangkok, see the link below. You will also find the days and times the markets operate and directions for getting there. Also, check out our website for more Asian destinations.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is in Ratchaburi, Thailand. Here you will see the historic and peaceful Thai floating market in it’s unique and authentic atmosphere. There are countless tourist floating markets throughout the country. This one, is unique and authentic. It is a market for the local people, but tourists are welcome. This is a piece of Taiwanese history in live drama. These beautifully  clad merchants make their way through the river as they peddle their fresh fruit and vegetables. Here they sell to others who come to buy in their canoes and to those on the river bank. There is lots of noise as they barter back and forth. It is a fun day you will not want to miss.

Transportation along the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Transportation along the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi, Thailand is the most famous of all the floating markets in the country. You will need to leave the city to enjoy it, though. It is about 62 miles southwest of Bangkok City. This busy market is at it’s  best in the early morning hours. The locals get up early and go to market before the tourists arrive and the day turns hot. If you want to go to market and enjoy the experience, get up and head out early. In this case, the early bird gets the worm. For information on market tours, check out this website:
http://www.bangkok.com/beyond-the-city/damnoensaduak.htm

While in the area, check out the Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakorn Pathom. It is said to be the largest pagoda in all of Southeast Asia. This is one of the most elaborate temples and monasteries in Thailand and the pagoda is housed inside the temple.

Thailand is just a few hours away. Grab your passport, pack your bag and I’ll see you at the airport. Now is the time to book your next Thailand adventure. Memories of a lifetime are waiting for you In Thailand. Let’s go to the market!

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat
Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat in Bangkok Thailand

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat is one of Thailand’s most beloved landmarks. This should be on every Bangkok itinerary. The architecture and decorations are amazing. The temples in the compound were built over a span of 200 years. The temples are rich in decoration. Many are made of the finest gold. The building of the Royal Palace began in 1782 and was an ongoing project for each succeeding king. Each king that occupied the palace built and rebuilt parts of this compound. Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat is surrounded by tall white stone walls. The complete compound occupies approximately one square mile.

The Phra Maha Monthain Group was built-in the central section of the compound. It was the first of the building groups. Phra Maha Monthain Group was built by King Rama I. He also built his own royal residency which he used until his death. This group was used for the coronation of King Rama I and for all the future coronations of the Chakri Dynastry. Phra Thinang chakri Maha Prasat Group was built by King Rama V. Originally this group consisted of 11 buildings, but only 3 remain today. Borophiman Mansion and Siwalai Garden Group was designed by King Rama III. He had many of the buildings of King Rama II demolished to make space for added temples that were dedicated to his father. He also built a residence where he lived till he died.

Each building in this compound has a story. It is the never-ending saga of the kings of the Chakri Dynasty. It is the heritage of Thailand.  The architecture is extremely unique and captivates the imagination. Each king added to the work of the former king. One of the buildings is even done in a modern European style. King Rama VIII lived there until 1945.

Wat Arun Temple of Dawn

Wat Arun- Temple of Dawn is a well-known Khmer style Buddhist Temple in Bangkok, Thailand. Wat Arun gets it’s name  from the Hindu god of the dawn, Aruna. This famous landmark is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Perhaps it is best known for its massive tower, called a prang. The prang, with a height of more than 262 feet, is built in the Khmer architectural style. This beautiful prang is a symbol of the legendary Mount Meru, considered to be the center of the known universe. It is the tallest tower in Thailand. Wat Arun is one of 6 Royal temples in Thailand and is deeply revered.

Temple of dawn unique architecture and art.
Temple of dawn unique architecture and art.

Wat Arun was  1782 and predates the building of Bangkok. For many years this impressive temple dominated the river bank of Bangkok. Wat Arun stands directly across the river from the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace was the center of a former government and was the focal point for the building of the city of Bangkok.

Temple of dawn unique architecture and art.
Exploring the temple of dawn in Bangkok Thailand.

Wat Arun is maybe best known by its prang or tower. This Khmer style tower is decorated with millions of small pieces of colorful Chinese porcelain and beautiful seashells. There is a very steep stairway on the side of the tower leading to two terraces. If you can muster the energy, this is a must climb. From these terraces is perhaps some of the greatest views of the City of Bangkok, the river, and all the surrounding countryside. In addition to this main prang, are four small satellite prangs.These smaller prangs are dedicated to the wind god, Phra Phai. There are many other statues of gods, pagodas, Chinese statues, and other holy artifacts. This temple is one of the most impressive buildings in Thailand and perhaps the world.

Chinese stone guardian at the Temple of Dawn Wat Arun
Chinese stone guardian at the Temple of Dawn Wat Arun

No trip to Thailand is complete without a visit to Wat Arun. Wat Arun is open daily from 8 am to 5:30 pm. Speed boats are available from the city side of the river to take you across. It is also accessible by city bus and taxi.  Is this the year for your Thailand Adventure? Check out the links below and plan to visit Thailand, an amazing country, with amazing architecture, awesome wildlife, and friendly people.

The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok, Thailand
The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok, Thailand

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is perhaps one of the world’s uniquely and architecturally beautiful buildings. The fabulous  renaissance architectural design is out of this world. It is amazing and wonderful!  The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is a former reception hall within Dusit Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. What an awesome reception hall this must have been. Can you imagine being one of the royal invited guests?  It is currently being used as a museum and on occasion it hosts special State events for the government of Bangkok, Thailand. What awesome splendor!

In 1906 King Chulalongkorn, who was Rama the V, commissioned the construction of Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. This fantastic reception hall was carefully designed to replace the one that had been built by King Mongkut, who was Rama IV. This beautiful reception hall is now over 100 years old and is still as graceful and exquisite as it ever was. Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is a two storey construction with a large dome in the centre. It is  surrounded by six smaller domes. Unfortunately, King Chulalongkorn died in 1910 never having seen the completion of the beautiful Throne Hall. Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall was completed in 1915 and must be by far one of the grandest building in Thailand.

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is a royal building and visitors are welcome. There is a very strict dress code that must be followed to enter the royal hall. Men must have trousers and sleeved shirts and women must have long skirts and sleeved shirts. Women in trousers are not considered appropriately dressed. No mini skirts, shorts, sleeveless shirts, jeans, or ripped pants are allowed. If needed, Sarongs may be purchased and there are lockers for cameras and mobile phones. No electronics of any kind are allowed in the Throne Hall. Even if you have paid for entry into the Dusit Gardens, there is a separate entry fee charged to view the Throne Hall.  Recordings are available in several languages to guide you through the Throne Hall.

Make this the year you visit Bangkok, Thailand. It is beautiful! Plan to spend at least 4 hours in Dusit Garden. Remember to come dressed correctly if you want to view the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. For further information see the websites below.

Wat saket
Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan, known as the Golden Mountain in Bangkok Thailand

Wat Saket Golden Mountain

Wat Saket, is commonly known as The  Golden Mountain. This unique temple sits on a hill in the heart of Bangkok. It is in easy walking distance from the Grand Palace.  Each year during the month of November, Wat Saket is host to a sacred pilgrimage. During the pilgrimage, the villagers begin the climb to the top of the hill at an unusual cemetery and then climb the 300 steps to the top.

Wat Saket is the place for a good view and deep spiritual solitude. The golden mount is one of the famous temples in Thailand. It was built in the early 1800s. The temple was later refurbished. Here you will gain a fresh view of Bangkok. Wat Saket is a fascinating place with a magnificent view of the city below. Each time you visit Wat Saket, you see something new and different. You leave with a whole new perspective on Thailand.

What a panoramic view there is from The Golden Mountain. Bangkok buildings have such equiset roofs. When on the mount, you get a view of many unique roofs and the greater Bangkok City.  Looking out from the grounds the city seems almost perfect. You can marvel how the old and the new blend. On normal days, the grounds of the temple is extremely quiet and one can hear the chanting of the monks. As you look across the grounds you will see many mature trees featured and many Buddhist monuments.

The temple is open year around to worshipers and the Chedi on the Mountain is home to a Buddhist  relic. Please remember to be quiet and respectful as you spend time at Wat Saket. It is an active place of worship for those who follow the Buddha.  In addition to the many outside places to worship and the Chedi on the hill it has all the typical buildings. Within the compound there is a main chapel, an Ordination Hall and a Library. To get to the top worships need to  climb over 300 steps. The walls  circle the chedi  almost like a snake. As you near the top, you will begin to see bells that ring out regularly.

Wat Saket can be accessed easiest by water ferry or taxi boat.  Go to the last stop and then walk for about 10-15 minutes. Outside the entrance, you will find food vendors. They are great if you desire a small snack or a bowl of soup.  The walk up the hill could be challenging for some. It is well worth it. The atmosphere is peaceful and it is by far the best view of the city. So on your next Thailand vacation, be sure to spend some time at Wat Saket. You will be rewarded with the view of the century.

Thailands Magnificent Elephants And Their Mahout

Thailand's Magnificent Elephants
Elephant and his mahout in Thailand

Thailands Magnificent Elephants are a wonder to watch. Wild elephants in Thailand are especially hard to count. The elephant lives in the dense bamboo forests. It is here that they can find a steady diet of grasses, bark, and bamboo. Bamboo is perhaps their favorite culinary dish! They also have a great love for a good banana on the side. A mature adult elephant eats up to 400 pounds of vegetation a day. Most experts in the field estimate that there are between 2,000 and 3,000 wild elephants. There is  about the same number of domesticated elephants in the country.

Thailands Magnificent Elephants in the wild establish tight relationships between themselves and other members of the herd. A calf is raised by all the females in the herd. Like their cousins in the wild, a domesticated elephant establishes a deep and personal bond with his or her trainer. An elephant trainer is called a mahout.  Most trainers raise their elephants from the time they are born. The bond between a trainer and his elephant is priceless. Like all things touched by humans, there have been cases of animal abuse.  Abused animals are not as common as once believed.

Elephants have been of major importance to Asians for thousands of years. They are used for transportation, tourism, and religious festivals. In the past they were used for logging activities. Logging has been banned in most countries of Asia for many years. During religious festivals of every type, elephants play a role. Currently Chabad used an elephant to carry the menorah through the city streets of Bangkok. See the link below.

Riding Elephants and support for the elephant reserve
Riding Elephants and support for the elephant reserve.

Working elephants in the hands of a kind and thoughtful trainer are no different from a working dog or llama in the hands of a good and kind farmer. Many preserves use their elephants for taking tourists out on jungle treks. Tourists attend a class on the proper way to ride and care for an elephant. At the close of the article there will be links for joining one of these jungle adventures.

Thailands Magnificent Elephants are a wonder to see. Take time out this year for the adventure of a lifetime. Learn about this magnificent animal and how to care for him correctly. Go on a planned jungle trek with a knowledgeable mahout. Grab your passport and make your plans today. See you in Thailand in.

Make this the year you visit Bangkok, Thailand. It is beautiful! Plan to spend at least 4 hours in Dusit Garden. Remember to come dressed correctly if you want to view the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. For further information see the websites below.

Thailand's dense Bamboo jungles filled with beautiful exotic flora
Thailand’s dense Bamboo jungles filled with beautiful exotic flora

This Bangkok Thailand travel and guide is meant to be free of charge to the general public. Re-publishing is allowed if a link back to this original article.

So pack your bags and grab your passport for the adventure of a lifetime, at Bangkok’s Grand Palace. For more information and other fantastic Asian tourist delights, check out our web site:

Filed Under: Anthropology, Archeology, Bangkok, education, Food Travel, history, Thailand, travel the world, Travel Tips Tagged With: Bangkok, bangkok tourism, Bangkok's Grand Palace, food travel, lotus root dish, Thailand, Thailand's heritage, The Grand Palace Bangkok

City of Ur Plan – Building Blocks of a Civilization

March 29, 2019 by ExploreTraveler Leave a Comment

city of ur plan
City of Ur Artifacts 1920

Ur Online Field Photographs  Photo ID Penn Archival Image Label GN1912

City of Ur Plan

The City of Ur Plan is academic research into where the ideas and social stratification for building this great city came from. In this document, I try to lay the groundwork for additional research and ideas that could also be looked into later in greater detail.

City of Ur: Building Blocks of a Civilization 

 

Thomas Edison State University

John J Gentry

LIB-495

Jan 26, 2019

Abstract

The city of Ur had many great technological advancements and is considered to be the cradle of civilization. However, from a historical and anthropological perspective, was the civilization of Ur a natural increase in technology over time or was there outside influences from other lesser known peoples within this region. The problem of how did Ur learn the technical aspects to build the city, and where did they get the ideas necessary to succeed on such a grand scale. The purpose here is to shed some light on other connections that could have influenced the creation and construction of the city. From a perspective that also draws on some old oral tradition. Was the civilization of Ur a natural increase in technology over time or was there outside influence from other lesser known peoples or civilizations?

With the current books and papers mostly coming from the 1920s and the papers being written from the understanding that no other evidence existed to clear of the questions I have discussed above. With the uprisings and wars in Iraq, Iran, and Syria as researchers, we sometimes are left with the idea or concept that we cannot learn more. This research will help show that there is still much to learn even today.

My Methodology uses Methods of standard research of past works that are can be lesser known today, and some more recent Archaeology conducted by Stanford University and overseed by Ian Hodder from the Çatalhöyük Research Project in Turkey. This paper is meant to focus on the research from the 1920s and the online archives of the University of Pennsylvania project along with the online resources of the British Museum.

 

 

Acknowledgments

 

First I must acknowledge my Capstone mentor Randall Otto who’s guidance during this process was greatly appreciated. Second my Son John J Gentry II who helped with proofreading and some formatting questions. Third, my son John Elijah Gentry who also helped with proofreading and formatting issues.

 

 

 

Dedication

I dedicate the research and capstone to my wife Karen S Gentry and my two sons John J Gentry and John E Gentry. May they never stop searching for answers and keep the ideas, concepts of world exploration alive and well for years to come.

 

 

 

Contents

Abstract 2

Acknowledgments 3

Dedication 4

Chapter 1 Introduction 6

Chapter 2 Literature Review 10

Chapter 3 Research Design and Methodology 15

Chapter 4 Results of the Study 18

Chapter 5 Discussion and Recommendations 24

References 32

Annotated Bibliography 34

 

 

 

 

 

Chap 1

Introduction

city of ur plan
Ur Ziggurat 1920’s

Ur Online Field Photographs  Photo ID Penn Archival Image Label LP17  

Currently, most of the historical information is very simplistic and does not address the major issue. How did these peoples go from simple hunter-gatherer peoples with limited technology end up becoming the first known civilization? There is a lot of assumptions built into this question, and I want to set out to identify the other evidence of much older advanced peoples who might have played a role in the distribution of knowledge and technology that fed into the creation of this once mighty civilization. From the advanced settlements in Northern Turkey that date back to 9,000 BC to the peoples who traveled up and down the mighty rivers of the Euphrates and the Tigris. With stories that explain the creation of Eridu and by themselves would only be circumstantial but with anthropology evidence from what I would consider mini-civilization north of Ur the information paints a very different story then we knew about in the 1920s that are the base of the evidence of ideas today.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 storerooms 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 city of Ur had many great technological advancements and is considered to be the cradle of civilization. However, from a historical/anthropological perspective, was the civilization of Ur a natural increase in technology over time or was there outside influence from other lesser known peoples or civilizations? To better understand the answer, looking at past excavations might give a clue into how this civilization sprung into life. So what do we know in general of Ur from the 1920’s excavations?

The following is the main questions and my sub-questions that I feel should address this lack of research tieing into this civilization.

Major Question: From a historical/anthropological perspective, was the civilization of Ur a natural increase in technology over time or was there outside influence from other lesser known peoples or civilizations?

Sub-Questions:

  1. What do we know in general of Ur from the 1920’s excavations?
  2. What other dynamics from Eridu may have played a roll in the advancements of Ur?
  3. Evidence of other societies that could have brought technology from the north to the Sumerian region?
  4. What oral or other traditions might support the possibilities of technology before Eridu that might have gone into the creation of Ur?

With the current books and papers mostly coming from the 1920s and the papers being written from the understanding that no other evidence existed to clear of the questions I have discussed above. With the uprisings and wars in Iraq, Iran, and Syria as researchers, we sometimes are left with the idea or concept that we cannot learn more. Local researchers and others from western universities have continued work in the fields of Archaeology, Anthropology and Historical research and they are always willing to share what they know. It is my belief that I can share a portion of the evidence, and open the door to the possibility to warrant additional research within this area of research.

My Methodology uses Methods of standard research of past works that are can be lesser known today, and some more recent Archaeology conducted by Stanford University and overseed by Ian Hodder from the Çatalhöyük Research Project in Turkey. This paper is meant to focus on the research from the 1920s and the online archives of the University of Pennsylvania project along with the online resources of the British Museum. I will also bring in some recent discoveries tieing the past into the present day, and lay out my hypothesis for pre-Ur existing technology.

Definition of Terms:

  • Anthropology – the study of humanity; divisions are physical anthropology, archaeology, Ethnology, and anthropological linguistics.
  • Archaeology – the study of material culture.
  • Assimilation – when one ethnic group absorbs another so that the cultural traits of the assimilated group become indistinguishable.
  • Bilineal – descent in which the individual figures kinship through both the father’s and mother’s descent group.
  • Class Stratification – where members of a society are ranked from higher to lower based on wealth, prestige, position, or education.

 

Today we look at Ur and the other known civilizations as the cradle of civilization, and from the information, we had in the early nineteenth to twentieth centuries we were correct to come to that conclusion. However, a significant amount of research and discoveries have been made and new more complex areas of study have been shedding light on the advent of the time period that has led to the creation of the city of Ur. It is the work of these teams, organizations and even countries that came after the famous archaeological digs of the nineteen twenty’s that we can now formulate and begin to discuss new possibilities, and push the boundaries of human civilization further backward in time. With the creation myths of Eridu and the evidence of sophisticated large towns beyond that status of villages in central and northern Turkey we can ask the questions, and seek the answers where the ideas and technology to create Ur come from.

 

Chapter 2:

Literature Review

city of ur plan
Ur Ziggurat

Ur Online Field Photographs  Photo ID GN0205       

With the advent of early Sumerian peoples adapting agriculture, religion, and trading along the rivers of Mesopotamia we have the birthplace of modern human history as we currently understand it. The Ubaidians created small villages like settlements within 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.”  (Mark 1) The early settlers were people who occupied villages that were laid out along the marsh waters of the river Euphrates. They built up these small settlements using mud and reeds as building materials. Their dietary regime consisted of different aquatic fish species, grass grains, and locally farmed plants along the river, and waterways. When the first early city center was settled, it appeared to be well thought out. “With storerooms and courtyards excavated over time, there was evidence of the local grains and animal husbandry, including cattle and pigs. This is the story of our civilization as we currently understand it.” (Woolley) Today with the advent of modern technology we have begun to redefine human history as we currently understand it. Our human ancestors led active lives and lived within larger towns, and had certain levels of technology over a thousand years before Ur was in its prime. With this kind of information, there is some early evidence to suggest trade routes were well established at this period of time. It is my goal to establish some general understanding and give a historical-anthropological perspective, was the civilization of Ur a natural increase in technology over time or was there outside influence from other lesser known peoples or civilizations? This overarching question will be answered along with evidence of early bronze age technologies north of this region and the use of circumstantial evidence from oral tradition to support hard evidence.

With information recorded from the excavations of Sir Leonard Woolley during the 1920s and onward we can lay out a model of generalization of who and how the early people lived in this area. “The early inhabitants were very similar to the Marsh Arabs and there is not be very much evidence available to archaeologists today.” (Gentry 1) However from early on in the excavation of Ur they did begin to find the piles of inhabitation of these people deep underground within the complex of the Ur city. Today there is evidence from Ur to support that Eridu’s proximity 12 miles away from Ur and was the oldest excavated city site. The early marsh-type peoples are named the Ubaid people and they were agriculturalists, as many hoes and sickles are evident at the numerous sites. The sickles were made of baked clay, which shows a certain level of sophistication. These early inhabitants discovered ways to create cutting instruments by hardening a pottery-based implement, a very ingenious idea and its edge game them the cutting utilization needed. “The historical and anthropological evidence shows that the credit for establishing the civilization should go to the Sumerians who were the second settlers.” (Gentry 2) 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 Sumerian clay tablets. It is with this information historian’s, archaeologists, and anthropologists can begin to lay the foundations of our current historical overview. From the obvious fact that bodies of water have changed over time leaving us early mounds of the reed people inhabitation to the cities of the region. The first world cities and civilization were formed and lay beneath the sand, and scholars past and present are able to fully excavate this land and establish linkage to other possible sites, and documentation for future scholars to follow.

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 king Nammu’s rule, a government was established and time was taken to replenish life within Ur, and to promote the cities patron moon god of Nannar. Temples were built, including the largest and most extravagant of them all, the Ur 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 where you can see the other uncovered Ziggurats from other city-states of the past.

Eridu being the oldest known city of the Sumer time period gives us some general timelines in which we can ascertain when certain technologies would have been present there. The beginning of Eridu is estimated to be c. 5400 BCE when The City of Eridu is estimated to have been founded. Within this time period, we get the earliest Shrines to Enki built at the city and this establishes the earliest known organized religion in Mesopotamia. The city thrived until c. 2800 BCE when the probable date of the regional Great Flood happened when the river Euphrates rose and damaged the city. In the year c. 2300 BCE the Eridu Genesis is composed and this brings information with it that by itself would not be as useful but along with others data and know anthropological finding we can begin to put the puzzle of advanced trade together and hypothesize that there were areas before Eridu where advanced building and thriving town existed to the north within the borders of present-day Turkey. Later in 2100 BCE the first ziggurats in Ur, Eridu, Uruk, and Nippur where built and this advancement in building science was a great leap above where they were at the current time period. The city continued to thrive and finally declined and fell in c. 600 BCE when the city of Eridu is abandoned.

The city of Eridu is written about and is prominent within Sumerian mythology. Religiously it was the first city and home of the gods and had particular prominence due to the goddess Innana. She traveled to Eridu in order to gift civilization and she bestowed this upon humanity from her original city of Uruk.  Considered the oldest known civilization Uruk was to the north of Eridu and this is mentioned in great detail in the Eridu Genesis tablets. The story is believed to have been 2300 BCE and is the earliest description of the Great Flood, written in the biblical book of Genesis, and this is where he gathered and protected the seeds of life. The excavation of Ur in the 1920s revealed an eight-foot layer of silt and this seems to support the flood narrative of Eridu since Ur was only 12 miles away. The flooding happened within the area of the Euphrates around c. 2800 BCE along the river. Notes from Max Mallowan during the original Ur excavation describes what he believed to have been a local flooding event and not a global flood. (Woolley)

Further up north in present-day Turkey, we have discoveries from the team of Archeologists and Dr. Aslihan Yener of the Oriental Institute. (Wilford) Here she found evidence of an early tin mine that appears to have been in existence in c. 3000 or around this time period. Tin an important part of the bronze age and out of the regional expectations of the bronze Mesopotamia time period theories. The use of these technologies with such a distance can lead us to ascertain the possibility of very large trade routes and the development of this critical civilization building technique existing in Turkey around c. 3000 BCE. These people using the highly advanced metallurgy technology clearly points to another advance group of people in existence during the same general time period of Ur. “With the crucibles and the finding of  30 percent of tin content, we have a significant metal trade in existence.” (Wilford)

Taking this along with the existence of Çatalhöyük established around c. 7,400 BCE with inhabitants between 3,000 and 8,000 people lived, and we begin to see a picture where human civilization was much more advanced and spread out giving us the possibilities of greater communication.  Along the rivers of present-day Turkey, Iraq, and Syria at levels, we did not expect until all of the new discoveries from the 1920s in Ur and the 1960s in Çatalhöyük. (Çatalhöyük) With this new information and the continued amount of detailed research around the world we can begin the put the puzzle of human civilization together and now the historical-anthropological perspective within our understanding of Ur civilization beg us t ask the question was Ur a natural increase in technology over time or was there outside influence from other lesser known peoples or civilizations? The mounting evidence and the amount of scholarly research are showing us that our original assumptions about Ur and the Mesopotamia region change as new evidence are found.

 

Chapter 3

Research Design and Methodology

city of ur plan
city of ur plan: Ur Site Layout

Ur Online Field Photographs  Photo ID GN2035

Historical research and the use of translated data from multiple sources requires a certain amount of record keeping and annotation along with the consumption of the required reading material. My qualitative research approach will allow me to gather the necessary information and to organize it into the format required to answer my research questions.
The following is the main questions and my sub-questions that I feel should address this lack of research tieing into this civilization.

Major Question: From a historical/anthropological perspective, was the civilization of Ur a natural increase in technology over time or was there outside influence from other lesser known peoples or civilizations?

Sub-Questions:

  1. What do we know in general of Ur from the 1920’s excavations?
  2. What other dynamics from Eridu may have played a roll in the advancements of Ur?
  3. Evidence of other societies that could have brought technology from the north to the Sumerian region?
  4. What oral or other traditions might support the possibilities of technology before Eridu that might have gone into the creation of Ur?

My research design of qualitative research with comparative studies accommodates my purpose for the gathering of research and the amount of information from multiple sources. Information such as oral tradition from ancient Babylonian tablets used along with known facts within comparative study allows me to see intent and general ideas alive within the lives of the Chaldean peoples.

I have acquired the published books from the original excavation of the 1920s and, with Sir Leonard Woolley research along with the letters from his assistants, I can formulate the first-hand observations at the site when it was excavated for the first time. I can then correlate this with the later information and data retrieved from the areas of southern Turkey along with the recent discoveries of building technology that led up to the time period in which the City of Ur was built. My current plan of action is to review the books and data from the original work on site, and then to review the Babylonian translations of the history of the region. I will then read the research from the Stanford team in Turkey along with other current work regionally that shows promise in shedding light onto my research questions.

I will organize the information starting with the Ur excavations, first following with the regional oral tradition translations. This information will lay out the bedrock foundations for the later research coming from the Stanford team in regards to the current ongoing Turkey excavations. I’m going to analyze the information and data in a literal fashion from the use of the currently known timelines and then add the new information that could require the possible change of these timelines towards the end of the research.

Today we look at Ur and the other known civilizations as the cradle of civilization, and from the information, we had in the early nineteenth to twentieth centuries we were correct to come to that conclusion. However, a significant amount of research and discoveries have been made and new more complex areas of study have been shedding light on the advent of the time period that has led to the creation of the city of Ur. It is the work of these teams, organizations and even countries that came after the famous archaeological digs of the 1920s  that we can now formulate and begin to discuss new possibilities and push the boundaries of human civilization further backward in time. With the creation myths of Eridu and the evidence of sophisticated large towns beyond that status of villages in central and northern Turkey we can ask the questions, and seek the answers where the ideas and technology to create Ur come from.

Chap 4

Results of the Study

city of ur plan
Ur Ziggurat 1920

Ur Online Field Photographs  Photo ID GN0145   

The following is the main questions and my sub-questions that I feel should address this lack of research tying into this civilization. I have focused on major findings from the ancient past along with new findings that help us understand the possible influences going on as a researcher moves up the Tigris and Euphrates rivers into what is known today as Northern Iraq and Turkey. My intention is to ask questions that have the potential to better understand our past within this region where the city of Ur is located.

Major Question: From a historical/anthropological perspective, was the civilization of Ur a natural increase in technology over time or was there outside influence from other lesser known peoples or civilizations?

Sub-Questions:

  1. What do we know in general of Ur from the 1920’s excavations?
  2. What other dynamics from Eridu may have played a role in the advancements of Ur?
  3. What evidence is there of other societies that could have brought technology from the north to the Sumerian region?
  4. What oral or other traditions might support the possibilities of technology before Eridu that might have gone into the creation of Ur?

What do we know in general of Ur from the 1920’s excavations? “Ur never really disappeared: its characteristic ziggurat, or stepped temple tower, remained visible high above the plain of the desert. As it was “rediscovered” as an ancient site by travelers in the 17th century, the ruins of Ur came to be known as Tell al-Muqayyar (Arabic for “mound of pitch”) because of the bitumen, or tar, that had been used often in building and waterproofing parts of the ancient city. The lengthy occupation at Ur generated archaeological deposits up to 20 meters in depth over an area of 96 hectares” (UrOnline, 2019).

(Ur Excavations UrOnline 2019)

“Woolley’s excavations at Ur yielded thousands of artifacts, photographs, letters, reports, and other documents which today remain divided among the three museums.” (UrOnline, 2019) Additionally, there are notes from his assistants that also provide relevant information to the excavations that took place in the 1920s. Ur was one of the world’s first major cities, being inhabited for thousands of years, from c. 5000 to 300 BCE. From the late Ubaid period to the time of the Achaemenid Persian kings, for five approximately millennia. With over 20 different layers excavated during the early 1920s, we have a solid baseline of information about the city. (Woolley 1982) Today the Ziggurat of Ur dedicated to the moon god Nanna and also the patron deity of the city still stands above the desert. The construction techniques of mud brick that are common in this area and during this time show a connection to Eridu and have a resemblance of other techniques used further north at the Çatalhöyük Neolithic town site where similar mud brick techniques have been used. (Çatalhöyük 2019) Based on the time period’s style of construction and the materials used in the construction of the city there appears to be a transition that originally was happening further north via c. 6981 BC (Çatalhöyük 2019)

What other dynamics from Eridu may have played a role in the advancements of Ur? The location of the city of Eridu, being approximately 20 km or 12.5 miles away from Ur, gives us the reasonable assumption that remnants of this city and its own technology would have been transported by the local population over such a short distance. Use of beasts of burden to pull carts was available during the c. 5000 – 3800 BC time periods in which the construction first is believed to have begun. With large construction projects that existed in Eridu and Uruk before c. 4,000 BC and the use of mud brick from the areas of the rivers surrounding the cities we see consistent use of this building construction style.

What evidence is there of other societies that could have brought technology from the north to the Sumerian region? With the recent discoveries in Turkey where ongoing excavations are now underway and in some cases for several decades we have the presence of smaller civilizations that existed before the cities of Mesopotamia and had similar building techniques that if passed down by migrating peoples following the rivers and possibly bring the building techniques and bronze metallurgy technologies to the first city of Uruk or concurrently as the civilization advanced over time. (Wilford 1994) We have the current excavations of Göbekli Tepe, Çatalhöyük, the Taurus Mountains that show us advanced peoples living and possibly creating bronze much earlier and concurrently with the peoples of the Mesopotamian region.

What oral or other traditions might support the possibilities of technology before Eridu that might have gone into the creation of Ur? Within the Sumerian creation myth that is written in Sumerian cuneiform on tablet fragments, we have the oral tradition of the creation of Eridu and the destruction of the people who lived there in a flood. (Mark 2010) Among the ancient texts of Epic of Atrahasis, Tablet XI of the Babylonian Epic of Gilgameš, we have the religion and tradition that was written down.

[1′-9′] Nintur was paying attention:

“Let me bethink myself of my humankind, all forgotten as they are;

and mindful of mine, Nintur’s, creatures let me bring them back,

let me lead the people back from their trails.

Let they come and build cities and cult places,

that I may cool myself in their shade;

may they lay the bricks for the cult cities in pure spots,

and may they found places for divination in pure spots!” (Mark 2010)

Here we see in the English translations where the goddess describes the creation of cities and their placement locations.

[41’ff] The firstling of the cities, Eridu, she gave to the leader Nudimmud,

the second, Bad-Tibira, she gave to the Prince and the Sacred One,

the third, Larak, she gave to Pahilsag,

the fourth, Sippar, she gave to the gallant Utu,

the fifth, Šuruppak, she gave to Ansud. (Mark 2010)

We also have the oral tradition of Eridu getting technology from the north and this was put into the city of Eridu. Religiously we have the creation myths written within very old texts that were found within the excavation of Ur and with the translations from the Babylonian texts and the epic of Gilgamesh we have an idea of the beliefs of the creation and destruction of Eridu.

The civilization of Ur a had a combination of natural increases in technology over time and outside influences from other lesser known peoples or quasi civilizations. From the cities of Eridu and Uruk being connected with physical excavation research showing similar building techniques and the location of recent findings further north in Turkey showing similar building techniques used years before these cities were constructed. The possibility of bronze used before Ur at a time when we didn’t think the ability existed shows us a certain amount of advancement with several populations before Ur. This along with the oral traditions written down in the Sumerian cuneiform tablet fragments show us an organized intention to create the cities of the region and to use them for the storage and distribution of grain. We can surmise that some kind of famine had existed before and the organization of agriculture storage was now needed to ensure grain distribution could endure in times of drought. The cities and religious Ziggurats had a practical purpose and use that ensure solid construction that we now find today.

 

Chap 5

Summary and Discussion

city of ur plan
Ur Image Relief

Ur Online Field Photographs  Photo ID GN0457A

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 storerooms and courtyards excavated there was evidence of the local grains and animal husbandry, including cattle and pigs. This would require trade routes to be well established at this time. We have a tremendous amount of reference to earlier cities like Eridu and others. This gives us an underlying basis of technological information passing from one city to another. According to Peeter Espak’s paper, the history and evidence via writings on buildings and to religions’ gods connected to the city is very significant. The “significance of the city of Eridu is based on several ancient royal inscriptions and mythological accounts and concludes that in Sumerian mythology we can call Eridu one of the most sacred religious and cultural centers among others, comparable to Nippur, Ur, and Uruk.” (Espak 53)

Historical research and the use of translated data from multiple sources requires a certain amount of record keeping and annotation along with the consumption of the required reading material. My qualitative research approach will allow me to gather the necessary information and to organize it into the format required to answer my research questions. The material comes from a variety of publications online, such as specific encyclopedias, academic research, museum files specific to Ur and Eridu connected universities and the British Museum collection, with material from some of my other projects.

The following is the main question and my sub-questions that I feel should address this lack of research tying into this civilization. I have focused on major findings from the ancient past along with new findings that help us understand the possible influences going on as a researcher moves up the Tigris and Euphrates rivers into what is known today as Northern Iraq and Turkey. My intention is to ask questions that have the potential to better understand our past within this region where the city of Ur is located.

The city of Ur had many great technological advancements and is considered to be the cradle of civilization. However, from a historical/anthropological perspective, was the civilization of Ur a natural increase in technology over time or was there outside influence from other lesser known peoples or civilizations? To better understand the answer, looking at past excavations might give a clue into how this civilization sprung into life. So what do we know in general of Ur from the 1920’s excavations?

The following is the main questions and my sub-questions that I feel should address this research.

Major Question: From a historical/anthropological perspective, was the civilization of Ur a natural increase in technology over time or was there outside influence from other lesser known peoples or civilizations?

Sub-Questions:

  1. What do we know in general of Ur from the 1920’s excavations?
  2. What other dynamics from Eridu may have played a role in the advancements of Ur?
  3. Evidence of other societies that could have brought technology from the north to the Sumerian region?
  4. What oral or other traditions might support the possibilities of technology before Eridu that might have gone into the creation of Ur?

My research design of qualitative research with comparative studies accommodates my purpose for the gathering of research and the amount of information from multiple sources. Information such as oral tradition from ancient Babylonian tablets used along with known facts within comparative study allows me to see intent and general ideas alive within the lives of the Chaldean peoples.

I have acquired the published books from the original excavation of the 1920s and the Sir Leonard Woolley research along with the letters from his assistants so I can formulate the first-hand observations at the site when it was excavated for the first time. I can then correlate this with the later information and data retrieved from the areas of southern Turkey along with the recent discoveries of building technology that led up to the time period in which the City of Ur was built. My current plan of action is to review the books and data from the original work on site, and then to review the Babylonian translations of the history of the region. I will then read the research from the Stanford team in Turkey along with other current work regionally that shows promise in shedding light onto my research questions.

What do we know in general of Ur from the 1920’s excavations?

“Ur never really disappeared: its characteristic ziggurat, or stepped temple tower, remained visible high above the plain of the desert. As it was “rediscovered” as an ancient site by travelers in the 17th century, the ruins of Ur came to be known as Tell al-Muqayyar (Arabic for “mound of pitch”) because of the bitumen, or tar, that had been used often in building and waterproofing parts of the ancient city. The lengthy occupation at Ur generated archaeological deposits up to 20 meters in depth over an area of 96 hectares.” (UrOnline, 2019)  “Woolley’s excavations at Ur yielded thousands of artifacts, photographs, letters, reports, and other documents which today remain divided among the three museums.” (UrOnline, 2019) Additionally, there are notes from his assistants that also provide relevant information to the excavations that took place in the 1920s. Ur was one of the world’s first major cities. Being inhabited for thousands of years, from c. 5000 to 300 BCE. From the late Ubaid period to the time of the Achaemenid Persian kings, for five approximately millennia. With over 20 different layers excavated during the early 1920s, we have a solid baseline of information about the city. (Woolley 1982) Today the Ziggurat of Ur dedicated to the moon god Nanna and also the patron deity of the city still stands above the desert. The construction techniques of mud brick that are common in this area and during this time show a connection to Eridu and have a resemblance of other techniques used further north at the Çatalhöyük Neolithic town site where similar mud brick techniques have been used. (Çatalhöyük 2019) Based on the time periods style of construction and the materials used in the construction of the city there appears to be a transition that originally was happening further north via c. 6981 BC (Çatalhöyük 2019)

What other dynamics from Eridu may have played a role in the advancements of Ur?

The location of the city of Eridu being approximately 20 km or 12.5 miles away for Ur gives us the reasonable assumption that remnants of this city and it’s own technology would have been transported by the local population over such a short distance. Use of beasts of burden to pull carts was available during the c. 5000 – 3800 BC time periods in which the construction first is believed to begin. With large construction projects that existing in Eridu and Uruk before c. 4,000 BC and the use of mud brick from the areas of the rivers surrounding the cities we see consistent use of this building construction style.

Evidence of other societies that could have brought technology from the north to the Sumerian region?

With the recent discoveries in Turkey where ongoing excavations are now underway and in some cases for several decades we have the presence of smaller civilization that existed before the cities of Mesopotamia and had similar building techniques that if past down by migrating peoples following the rivers and possibly bring the building techniques and bronze metallurgy technologies to the first city of Uruk or concurrently as the civilization advanced over time. (Wilford 1994) We have the current excavations of Göbekli Tepe, Çatalhöyük, the Taurus Mountains that show us advanced peoples living and possibly creating bronze much earlier and concurrently with the peoples of the Mesopotamian region.

What oral or other traditions might support the possibilities of technology before Eridu that might have gone into the creation of Ur?

Within the Sumerian creation myth that is written in Sumerian cuneiform on tablet fragments, we have the oral tradition of the creation of Eridu and the destruction of the people who lived there in a flood. (Mark 2010) Among the ancient texts of Epic of Atrahasis, Tablet XI of the Babylonian Epic of Gilgameš, we have the religion and tradition that was written down.

[1′-9′] Ninturnote was paying attention:

“Let me bethink myself of my humankind, all forgotten as they are;

and mindful of mine, Nintur’s, creatures let me bring them back,

let me lead the people back from their trails.

Let they come and build cities and cult places,

that I may cool myself in their shade;

may they lay the bricks for the cult cities in pure spots,

and may they found places for divination in pure spots!” (Mark 2010)

Here we see in the English translations where the goddess describes the creation of cities and their placement locations.

[41’ff] The firstling of the cities, Eridu, she gave to the leader Nudimmud,

the second, Bad-Tibira, she gave to the Prince and the Sacred One,

the third, Larak, she gave to Pahilsag,

the fourth, Sippar, she gave to the gallant Utu,

the fifth, Šuruppak, she gave to Ansud. (Mark 2010)

We also have the oral tradition of Eridu getting technology from the north and this was put into the city of Eridu. Religiously we have the creation myths written within very old texts that were found within the excavation of Ur and with the translations from the Babylonian texts and the epic if Gilgamesh we have an idea of the beliefs of the creation and destruction of Eridu.

Relationship of Research to the Field:

My research does show some connection to the past groups of people and with connections to oral tradition and some building techniques. However, there is information needed to bridge the gap of Pre Aruk and Post Çatalhöyük time periods. There does seem to be a connection but it’s import to find some connections via religion or other concrete evidence within the northern regions of northern Iraq (upper region Dihok area). With the rivers in this region running through the area, there were have been excavations in the past and there should be plenty of notes and some data to review. The amount of information just from the Woolley excavations and excursions alone would take a lifetime to comb through. His assistant’s notes also provide some unique details not talked about such as sediment from previous floods that seem to indicate multiple events there. This new information does imply regional weather events of substantial importance.

Discussion of Results:

WIth a tremendous amount of information, overall very few people have been researching the links between the sites to give us the overall time period or evolution of technological growth over time. This research points out the possible connections and lays the groundwork for continued research into the area. This paper adds to the work of others cited within it and shows some possible connections between constructional technology and even the oral traditions taken from the cuneiform tablets found in the region. The city of Ur still today has much more to offer us about the past of the region and with continued research into the cities past and new discoveries are possible still today. From major flooding events to the shifting of the rivers over time, we have multiple impacts happening to the city that the rulers are trying to deal with. Since we have evidence after the city was built to suggest these events happened, we can add some credibility to the Eridu flooding myths as well. The likelihood of people moving north and south along the rivers of the area trading goods, and exchanging building techniques is very high. That does seem to be supported all along the rivers from the area of Turkey today to the far south of Iraq.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, the amount of information today along with the recent research was done over the last forty years does lend support to my idea of pre-existing technologies and building techniques already in existence several thousand years before Ur. For whatever the reason there is a period of time where civilization was abruptly interrupted and things did slow down. We do know of a regional flood from the findings at Ur and from the writing found speaking of a great flood and the destruction of Eridu. As with most research on the region we are always finding new information or re-discovering objects for what they really are when we as academic researchers have been wrong in the past. Most importantly when researching this subject we must be willing to accept research from a multi-disciplined field of work and to accept findings from others when they are scientifically sound.

 

References

Çatalhöyük Research Project, http://www.catalhoyuk.com/. “Çatalhöyük Research Project.” Çatalhöyük 2005 Archive Report – Introduction, 2019, www.catalhoyuk.com/.

 

Gentry, John. “ExploreTraveler Geographical Area of Ur ‘of the Chaldees’ City of Ur.” Travel Channel – Tips for Traveling the World| ExploreTraveler, John Gentry, 3 Nov. 2018, explore1stage.wpengine.com/geographical-area-of-ur-of-the-chaldees/.

 

Thorkild Jacobsen. “The Eridu Genesis.” Journal of Biblical Literature, no. 4, 1981, p. 513. EBSCOhost, doi:10.2307/3266116.

 

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.

Mark, Joshua J. “Eridu.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, 20 July 2010, www.ancient.eu/eridu/.

 

UrOnline Museum, British, et al. “UrOnline – The Digital Resource for the Excavation of Ur.” UrOnline, British Museum, Penn Museum, Leon Levy Foundation, www.ur-online.org/. A joint project between the listed Museums with no publish date currently available.

Ur Excavations, UrOnline, British Museum, Penn Museum, Leon Levy Foundation. Thursday. 10 Jan. 2019.

 

Annotated Bibliography

Adam Stone. “Enlil/Ellil (god).” Ancient Mesopotamian Gods and Goddesses. Oracc and the UK HigherEd.Academy,2013.Web.23Dec.2015.<http://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/amgg/listofdeities/enlil/>.

 

“Anu.” The New Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology. Trans. Richard Aldington and Delano Ames. London: Hamlyn, 1959. Print.

 

Çatalhöyük Research Project, http://www.catalhoyuk.com/. “Çatalhöyük Research Project.” Çatalhöyük 2005 Archive Report – Introduction, 2019, www.catalhoyuk.com/.

Coulter, Charles, and Patricia Turner. Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities. New York and London: Routledge, 2012. Print.

Danti, Michael D. “Eridu City of the First Kings.” Calliope, vol. 14, no. 1, Sept. 2003, p. 8. EBSCOhost,libproxy.usouthal.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ulh&AN=10713394&site=eds-live.

 

Espak, Peeter. (2015). Was Eridu The First City in Sumerian Mythology?. Studia Orientalia Tartuensia. VI. 53–70.

 

Frayne, Douglas R. (2008) Presargonic Period (2700–2350 BC). The Royal Inscriptions of Mesopotamia: Early Periods, Vol. 1. Toronto, Buffalo, and London: University of Toronto Press.

 

Frayne, Douglas R. (1997) Ur III Period (2112–2004 BC). The Royal Inscriptions of Mesopotamia. Early Periods Vol 3/II. Toronto, Buffalo, and London: University of Toronto Press.

 

Galter, Hannes D. (2015) “The Mesopotamian God Enki/Ea.” Religion Compass, 9/3, pp. 66–76.

 

Gentry, John. “ExploreTraveler Geographical Area of Ur ‘of the Chaldees’ City of Ur.” Travel Channel – Tips for Traveling the World| ExploreTraveler, John Gentry, 3 Nov. 2018, explore1stage.wpengine.com/geographical-area-of-ur-of-the-chaldees/.

 

Hallo, William W. (1963). “Beginning and End of the Sumerian King List in the Nippur Recension.” Journal of Cuneiform Studies, 17, pp. 2–57.

 

Hodder, Ian, and Lynn Meskell. “A ‘Curious and Sometimes a Trifle Macabre Artistry’: Some Aspects of Symbolism in Neolithic Turkey.” Current Anthropology, vol. 52, no. 2, Apr. 2011, pp. 235–251.EBSCOhost,libproxy.usouthal.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=2011-21531-010&site=eds-live.

 

Hoffner, Harry A., et al. Recent Developments in Hittite Archaeology and History : Papers in Memory of Hans G. Güterbock. Eisenbrauns, 2002. EBSCOhost, libproxy.usouthal.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=446032&site=eds-live.Thorkild Jacobsen. “The Eridu Genesis.” Journal of Biblical Literature, no. 4, 1981, p. 513. EBSCOhost, doi:10.2307/3266116.

 

  1. Aslihan Yener, et al. “Kestel: An Early Bronze Age Source of Tin Ore in the Taurus Mountains, Turkey.” Science, vol. 244, no. 4901, 1989, p. 200. EBSCOhost, libproxy.usouthal.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsjsr&AN=edsjsr.1702795&site=eds-live.

 

Kramer, Samuel N. The Sumerians. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1990. An overview of the Sumerian culture in Mesopotamia.

 

Mark, Joshua J. “Eridu.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, 20 July 2010, www.ancient.eu/eridu/.

 

Marc, Linssen. The Cults of Uruk and Babylon: The Temple Ritual Texts as Evidence for Hellenistic Cult Practice. Leiden: Brill-Styx, 2004. Print.

 

Mitchell S. ROTHMAN, et al. “Out of the Heartland : The Evolution of Complexity in Peripheral Mesopotamia During the Uruk Period.” Paléorient, vol. 15, no. 1, 1989, p. 279. EBSCOhost, libproxy.usouthal.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsjsr&AN=edsjsr.41492356&site=eds-live.

 

“Mesopotamian Art and Architecture.” Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, Jan. 2018, p. 1;EBSCOhost,libproxy.usouthal.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=funk&AN=me092900&site=eds-live.

 

Nemet-Nejat, Karen R. Daily Life in Ancient Mesopotamia. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1998. An updated and well-organized account of daily life in ancient Mesopotamia written with the general reader in mind.

 

Rothman, M. S. (2002). Late Chalcolithic Mesopotamia. In Peregrine, P., and Ember, M. (eds.), Encyclopedia of Prehistory, Vol. 8, Kluwer Academic, New York, pp. 261– 270.

 

Rothman, Mitchell S., ed. Uruk, Mesopotamia, and Its Neighbors: Cross Cultural Interactions in the Era of State Formation. Santa Fe, N.Mex.: School of American Research Press, 2001. Twelve field and theoretical archaeologists discuss the causes of urban expansion, cross-cultural influences, and life in the fifth and fourth millennia b.c.e.

 

Stevens, Kathryn. An/Anu (god). Ancient Mesopotamian Gods and Goddesses. Oracc and the UK Higher Education Academy, 2013. Web. 15 Dec. 2015.

 

Thorkild Jacobsen. “The Eridu Genesis.” Journal of Biblical Literature, no. 4, 1981, p. 513. EBSCOhost, doi:10.2307/3266116.

 

UrOnline Museum, British, et al. “UrOnline – The Digital Resource for the Excavation of Ur.” UrOnline, British Museum, Penn Museum, Leon Levy Foundation, www.ur-online.org/. A joint project between the listed Museums with no publish date currently available.

 

Ur Excavations, UrOnline, British Museum, Penn Museum, Leon Levy Foundation. Thursday. 10 Jan. 2019.

 

Wachtel, Albert. “Ur-Nammu.” Salem Press Biographical Encyclopedia, 2017. EBSCOhost, libproxy.usouthal.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=88258937&site=eds-live.

 

Wilford, John Noble. “Enduring Mystery Solved as Tin Is Found in Turkey.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 4 Jan. 1994, www.nytimes.com/1994/01/04/science/enduring-mystery-solved-as-tin-is-found-in-turkey.html.

 

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.

City of Ur Plan

The City of Ur Plan is academic research into where the ideas and social stratification for building this great city came from. In this document, I try to lay the groundwork for additional research and ideas that could also be looked into later in greater detail.

City of Ur: Building Blocks of a Civilization 

 

Geographical Area of Ur ‘of the Chaldees’

Additional Keywords for research

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Filed Under: Archeology, education, fertile crescent, history, iraq, Mesopotamia, ur Tagged With: Adventure, Anthropology, Archaeology, city of ur plan, Far East Studies, Ferile Crescent, Iraq, Mesopotamian, Middle East, Sumer, Sumeria, Ur

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