UBAID PERIOD Meaning and
Definition
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The Ubaid period refers to a significant archaeological cultural stage that lasted from around 5900 to 4000 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia, specifically in the region of modern-day Iraq. The term "Ubaid" is derived from the site of Al-Ubaid, situated near the Euphrates River, where the distinctive features of this period were first recognized.
During the Ubaid period, there was a significant development in human settlement patterns, marking the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a sedentary one. The era is characterized by the establishment of villages and towns, with evidence of organized agriculture and animal husbandry. Intricate irrigation systems were also implemented, which saw the flourishing of crops such as barley and wheat.
In terms of material culture, the Ubaid period witnessed the use of pottery on a large scale. Archaeologists have unearthed various types of ceramics, including finely decorated and painted pieces. Additionally, artisans crafted tools and weapons using stone, bone, and clay.
Trade networks played a vital role during this period, connecting different regions and facilitating the exchange of goods, including obsidian, shells, and metals. This interaction resulted in cultural exchange, prompting the growth of complex societies and the emergence of social hierarchies.
The Ubaid period serves as a critical foundation for the subsequent development of civilization in Mesopotamia, contributing to the shaping of the Sumerian civilization and the birth of influential city-states like Ur and Uruk.
Etymology of UBAID PERIOD
The term "Ubaid period" is named after the archaeological site of al-Ubaid in present-day Iraq, where the culture associated with this period was first identified. The site was excavated in the early 20th century by the British archaeologist Henry Hall and his team, who named the culture and the time period after the site. The word "Ubaid" itself has no known origin or meaning in any modern language, and it specifically relates to the archaeological site and the associated culture.
