DATING METHODS

most chronological units are based on changes in pottery stylistic types

other types of material culture used to delineate time periods are artwork, tools, and architecture

absolute dates derive primarily from radiocarbon dating
 

CHRONOLOGICAL UNITS AND CULTURE HISTORY IN MESOPOTAMIA

Mesopotamia is the area of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in present-day Iraq

Eridu Period  (6000-5300 BC)

small villages, most on upper drainages of Tigris and Euphrates

beginning of irrigation

culture systems: Hassuna, Samarra, Halafian

chiefdom level of organization

'Ubaid Period (5300-3600 BC)

divided into four subdivisions

'Ubaid 1 saw initial colonization of southern Mesopotamia delta area by irrigation farmers

by 'Ubaid 3 and 4, culture of entire Mesopotamia essentially uniform

priests control economy

lots of clay artifacts cuz stone scarce, cast copper tools

culture systems: 'Ubaid, which began in lower Mesopotamia

core area southern Mesopotamia, reversing earlier trend of biggest advances in north Mesopotamia

early temple sites like Eridu and Tell Al 'Ubaid in southern Mesopotamia, temples were precursors to ziggurat

also sites in northern Mesopotamia, like Tepe Gawra

The temple at Eridu, Iraq.

Uruk or Warka Period  (3600-3100 BC)

southern Mesopotamia gains primacy in development of urban life, but distributed through Mesopotamia and beyond, with increasing complexity in Zagros foothills

diagnostic artifacts related to changes in pottery, especially development of wheel made

glyptography (seal use) begins

first city in Near East is Warka (ancient Uruk), type site, population estimated at 10,000+ at this time (not its peak), ziggurats

increase in number of temple towns and villages

social hierarchy beginning, elite priest class with control based at temples/ziggurats

divided into early and late

Early Uruk (3600-3400 BC) temple platform construction continues, 21 sites known

Late Uruk (3400-3100) mass production of pottery, earliest writing at Ur about  3400 BC, standardization of measures, earliest monumental architecture at Warka/Ur site is Anu ziggurat (sky god), 123 sites known -- some trappings of complex society

Ziggurat for Anu at Ur, Iraq.

Jemdet Nasr Period  (3100-2900 BC)

not well known archaeologically

previous trends continue, and urban organization stabilized and solidified

architectural and organizational centers of cities were temples

about 10 major centers in southern Mesopotamia, including Warka

major centers in middle Mesopotamia are Khafaje and Tell 'Uqair; in north, Brak

copper use widespread and increase in trade activity

development of Zagros cultures: Proto-Elamite

Proto-Literate or Early Dynastic Period (2900-2400 BC)

writing is widespread, not just economic uses

little change in utilitarian artifact suite

plano-convex brick construction introduced

first copper objects (figurines) made with lost-wax technique

first city fortifications, especially massive mud-brick walls

development of secular power; constant power struggles within and between cities

independent city-states developed from temple cities; Warka at peak population of 50,000 and Ur is city-state, both by mid Early Dynastic; city is basic political unit; other city-states are Nippur, Kish, Mari, Eridu; each had patron deity

growth of urban centers accompanied by rural depopulation (fewer sites, many larger in size, hierarchy)

social stratification clearly developed; first evidence of slaves; craft specialization

trade much increased

first city-state (Sumeria) and beginnings of nation and empire (Elamite) in Near East

Sumerian clay tablet with cuneiform writing.

Akaddian, Gutian and Ur III periods round out third millennium and bring us fully into the historic period
 

CHRONOLOGICAL UNITS IN THE LEVANT

the Levant is the strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea that marks the intersection of Africa and Asia;  Israel and Lebanon are two current countries in the Levant

Yarmukian Period    (5300-4100 BC)

Beersheba-Ghasullian Period  (4100-2900 BC)

Early Bronze Age Period   (post 2900 BC)
 

CHRONOLOGICAL UNITS IN KHUZISTAN

Khuzistan lies east of the Tigris-Euphrates Rivers in Iran's alluvial and piedmont zones

Susiana Period (5300-4000 BC)

increase in population

about 40 sites, including Tepe Sabz and Susa, Iran

irrigation in some areas was necessary

Susa A Period  (4000-3600 BC)

peak in population growth, which was earlier than in Mesopotamia but was not sustained

settlement size hierarchy, with sites like Susa at top level

Susa B Period (3600-3400 BC)

Susa C Period  (3400-3100 BC)

Susa D Period (post 3100 BC)
 

Location of Susa, Iran.

Choghazanbil ziggurat at Susa, Iraq.

REFERENCE

Redman, Charles L.
1978  The Rise of Civilization. W.H. Freeman, San Fransisco.

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