URUK PERIOD Meaning and
Definition
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The Uruk period refers to a specific era in ancient Mesopotamia, lasting from approximately 4100 to 2900 BCE. Named after the city of Uruk, which was a significant cultural and political hub during this time, it is characterized by various developments that laid the foundation for later civilizations in the region.
During the Uruk period, there was a significant growth in urbanization, with the emergence of large, consolidated city-states. Uruk itself is believed to have had a population of around 40,000 people, making it one of the largest cities of its time. This era saw the construction of monumental architecture, such as temples and ziggurats, as centers of ceremonial and religious importance.
One of the most notable aspects of the Uruk period is the advent of writing. Cuneiform, the world's earliest known form of writing, originated during this time and was initially used principally for administrative purposes.
The Uruk period also witnessed advancements in agriculture and the establishment of trade networks, facilitated by rivers like the Tigris and Euphrates. Trade allowed for the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural influences among the different city-states in Mesopotamia.
Overall, the Uruk period represents a crucial phase in the development of urban civilization, marking the shift from simple agricultural communities to more complex societies with centralized institutions, written communication, and extensive economic interactions.
Etymology of URUK PERIOD
The term "Uruk period" is derived from the ancient city of Uruk, located in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). It was one of the most prominent cities in ancient Sumer and is renowned for its important role in the development of urban civilization.
The etymology of the word "Uruk" itself is uncertain. In Sumerian, the city was called "Unug", while in Akkadian, the later Semitic language of Mesopotamia, it was known as "Erech". Scholars believe that the name "Uruk" could be a combination or variation of these two ancient names.
The Uruk period refers to a specific era in Mesopotamian history, spanning approximately from 4100-2900 BCE.
