Mesopotamian City Jemdet Nasr Dated To 3100–2900 BC: Sophisticated Irrigation Techniques And Earliest Cylinder Seals
A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - Jemdet Nasr - related to the Jemdet Nasr period (3100–2900 BC) - was a small but important prehistoric settlement in southern Mesopotamia, what is today, Babil located south of Baghdad, between the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, Iraq.
Excavations conducted in 1926 and 1928 revealed a large structure (92 × 48 m) constructed of both sun-dried and baked mud bricks, with clay roofing and ceramic gutters or drains. It had narrow rooms on three sides of a more open area, all resting on a brick platform. Additionally, more than two hundred inscribed clay tablets were found within the building.
The tablets and further excavations confirmed that ancient Jemdet Nasr was occupied during several periods, such as Ubaid (ca. 6500 to 3800 BC), Uruk (ca. 4000 to 3100 BC), and Early Dynastic (2900–2350 BC).
Jemdet Nasr ("Small mound of Nasr") experienced breakthroughs in the development of art, urban culture, writing, trade, and irrigation technology, which increased its importance. During this period numerous small Mesopotamian settlements developed into major cities, and the earliest cylinder seals came into use in southern Mesopotamia.
Pottery and cylinder seal impressions
The main features of the Jemdet Nasr are copper objects and pottery (large jars, bowls, spouted vessels, and cups), usually painted black and red geometric patterns. Other pottery forms found at the site include painted pots depicting both geometric motifs and depictions of animals, including birds, fish, goats, scorpions, snakes, and trees.
The pottery and cylinder seals clearly mark the difference between the Jemdet Nasr period (circa 3100-2900 BC) Jemdet Nasr and the proceeding Uruk period.
The cuneiform tablets, second in age only to those discovered at Uruk, mostly deal with agricultural administration, and some are covered with seal impressions, of which one – the so-called “City Seal“ impression, contains symbols for many neighboring cities including Ur, Nippur, Zabalam, Larsa and Kesh, and accompanying inscriptions which suggest these cities were some kind of a league, possibly engaged in sending offerings to Uruk.
The Jemdet Nasr period represents the final stage before the Sumerian Early Dynastic Period began in southern Mesopotamia.
No evidence for far-reaching trade contacts, exotic goods or precious stones were found, but Jemdet Nasr must have had intensive regional contacts with several cities in southern Mesopotamia, including Larsa, Nippur, Ur, Uruk, and Tell Uqair. Power was concentrated in the hands of kings-priests and religion played an important role in the social life of the city. During the Jemdet Nasr period increased the number of cities, temples, and buildings.
Sophisticated irrigation techniques were used for growing plants, which was very important due to inadequate rainfall.
The production of bronze, an alloy of copper and other metals, mainly tin, allowed the production of new weapons, and fortifications around the villages and city walls were built for better protection.
Written by – A. Sutherland AncientPages.com Senior Staff Writer
Copyright © AncientPages.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or part without the express written permission of AncientPages.com
Expand for referencesMore From Ancient Pages
-
On This Day In History: Magna Carta Sealed By King John Of England – On June 15, 1215
News | Jun 15, 2016
-
Rare Sphinx Seal Belonging To Roman Emperor Discovered In India Confirms Existence Of Legendary Muziris
Archaeology | Oct 1, 2020
-
On This Day In History: He Wanted The Bible To Be Available To All – Burned At The Stake On Oct 6, 1536
News | Oct 6, 2016
-
Modern Humans Inherited DNA From A Mysterious And Unidentified Ancestor
DNA | Aug 7, 2020
-
Strange Engraving Made By Knights Templar In French Village – It Doesn’t Make Sense Or Does It? – Part 2
Featured Stories | Oct 9, 2019
-
Medieval Well-Preserved Sword Discovered In A Peat Bog In Poland
Archaeology | Jun 21, 2017
-
Pharaoh Hor Aha – 1st Dynasty Ruler Of Ancient Egypt Who Founded The City Of Memphis And May Have Been The Legendary Menes
Featured Stories | Jun 23, 2018
-
Raijin: Shinto God Of Thunder And Lightning With Three Fingers Representing Past, Present And Future
Featured Stories | Feb 10, 2020
-
Traces Of Early Humans Discovered In Southern Iran
Archaeology | Sep 25, 2019
-
Ancient High-Technology: Automatons In Greek Mythology
Ancient Technology | Feb 22, 2015
-
Independent Invention: Iconic Native American Stone Tool Technology Discovered In Arabia
Archaeology | Aug 6, 2020
-
Discovery Of Queen Nefertiti’s Mummy Will Be Announced Next Month – Zahi Hawass Says
Archaeology | Sep 16, 2022
-
Hermes – Divine Trickster, Psychopomp, Patron Of Merchants And Thieves In Greek Mythology
Featured Stories | Jan 15, 2019
-
Forbidden High-Tech Knowledge Of A Controversial Ancient Lost Super Race
Civilizations | Jun 22, 2018
-
Cave Art In ‘Painting Room’ – At Ojo Guareña (Burgos) Is Over 12,000 Years Old
News | Oct 2, 2020
-
Powerful Chola Rulers Of Southern India: Patrons Of Architecture, Art And Literature
Civilizations | May 4, 2017
-
Unknown 500,000-Year-Old Migration Route Of Homo Erectus From Africa – Discovered
Archaeology | May 10, 2019
-
Beware Of The Night Marchers – Deadly Ghosts Of Warriors Who Kill With Just One Look
Featured Stories | Jul 23, 2019
-
Museum Classifies Roman Emperor Elagabalus As Trans – But Modern Labels Oversimplify Ancient Gender Identities
Featured Stories | Nov 28, 2023
-
What Was On The Menu For Stonehenge’s Builders, 2500 BC? Milk, Yoghurt And Cheese Only Eaten In Exclusive Ceremonies
Archaeology | Oct 14, 2015