Umma
Iraq

Umma

Ancient Sumerian city with temples and tablets

Location

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Historical Context

About

Umma was an ancient city located in what is now Dhi Qar Province, Iraq, and was a significant site in Sumer. The city's history stretches back to the Uruk period, with evidence of proto-cuneiform writing. Umma played a crucial role in the Early Dynastic period and was known for its long-standing conflict with Lagash. Under the rule of Lugal-Zage-Si, the city reached its peak in the 24th century BCE. During the Akkadian Empire, Umma became a major power and economic center. The site continued to be of importance under the Ur III dynasty as a provincial center, producing over 30,000 administrative and economic cuneiform tablets. However, in the 19th century BCE, it was destroyed by Sumuel of Larsa. Archaeologically, Umma is renowned for its temples, tablets, and complex urban structures, offering valuable insights into ancient Sumerian civilization.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Lugal-Zage-Si's Zenith

2350 BCE

Akkadian Empire Major Power

2200 BCE

Ur III Important Center

2100 BCE

Destruction by Larsa

1894-1866 BCE

Early Dynastic City of Gišša

2900-2300 BCE

Uruk Period Occupation

4000-3100 BCE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Storage Structures

Tablets
category

Miscellaneous Features

Caches
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

Temples
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Cities
category

Transportation and Communication Structures

Roads
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Iraq

Coordinates

31.67° N, 45.89° E