Looking for Jesus according to Matthew

[JLG]

- Evolution of the population of the Sumerian city of Ur: (2)

The population of the Sumerian city of Ur grew from a small village, likely originating around 3800 BCE, to one of the largest cities in the world by the 3rd millennium BCE, possibly reaching 65,000 people between 2030 and 1980 BCE during the Ur III Dynasty. The city's size and influence fluctuated over its history, eventually diminishing after the fall of the Ur III Dynasty to the Elamites around 1940 BCE.
Early Settlement & Growth

• Origins:
  Ur began as a small village around 3800 BCE, developing on the banks of the Euphrates River.

Peak in the 3rd Millennium BCE

• Ur III Dynasty:
  During this period (late 3rd millennium BCE), Ur became a major administrative and commercial center.

Decline

• Fall of the Dynasty:
  The city's importance declined with the fall of the Ur III Dynasty to the Elamites around 1940 BCE.
  

Ubaid Period:
The initial inhabitants were likely from the Ubaid culture, who were known for their agricultural advancements.
Largest City:
At its peak, Ur was likely the largest city in the world, with an estimated population of about 65,000 people.
Abandonment:
The city was eventually abandoned, likely shortly after the Islamic conquest in the 7th century CE.

 

[JLG]

Ur (3)

• Origins:
  Ur began as a small village around 3800 BCE, developing on the banks of the Euphrates River.

Peak in the 3rd Millennium BCE

• Ur III Dynasty:
  During this period (late 3rd millennium BCE), Ur became a major administrative and commercial center.

 

[JLG]

- Chronology of the Sumerian city of Larsa: (1)

Larsa rose to prominence after the Ur III collapse (c. 2004 BCE), becoming a major power during the Isin-Larsa period alongside Isin and eventually dominating southern Mesopotamia under Rim-Sin I. Its independence ended in 1763 BCE when Hammurabi of Babylon conquered the city, ushering in the Old Babylonian period. Larsa remained occupied, though with diminished influence, until the Hellenistic period.
Early History

• Pre-historic Origins:
  Larsa was likely founded during the Ubaid period (c. 6000-4000 BCE). It also appears on proto-cuneiform lists from the late 4th millennium BCE.

The Isin-Larsa Period

• Post-Ur III:
  Following the collapse of the Ur III Dynasty (c. 2112-2004 BCE), Larsa gained power and emerged as a key player in the ensuing period of fragmented city-states.

Babylonian Domination

• Conquest by Hammurabi:
  Larsa's imperial ambitions were cut short when Hammurabi of Babylon captured the city in 1763 BCE.
• Decline:
  Under Babylonian rule, Larsa never regained its former power and influence.

Later History

• Hellenistic Period: The city was occupied until the Hellenistic period.
• Shamash's Temple: The famous Ebabbar temple, dedicated to the sun god Shamash, was a prominent feature of Larsa for much of its history, with its origins likely in the early 2nd millennium BCE.

Sumerian King List:
The city is listed as a city of importance before the legendary Great Flood.
Annexation by Lagash:
Larsa was annexed by Eannatum of Lagash at an earlier, yet unspecified, point in its history, indicating its early presence as a territorial entity.
Rise to Power:
Gungunum, an Amorite governor appointed by Isin, broke away from Isin and established an independent dynasty in Larsa, transforming it into a major power that controlled surrounding city-states.
Peak of Power:
Larsa reached its zenith during the reign of Rim-Sin I (c. 1822-1763 BCE), who defeated its rival Isin in 1794 BCE, extending Larsa's regional hegemony.

 

[JLG]

- Evolution of the population of the Sumerian city of Larsa: (2)

Larsa's population evolved from prehistoric origins to significant growth in the Early Dynastic period, peaking in influence under King Rim-Sin I before its eventual decline and incorporation into the Babylonian empire around 1700 BCE. While precise population numbers aren't available for Larsa specifically, archaeological evidence shows huge building projects during its prosperous Isin-Larsa period, followed by its decline to a "minor site" after its defeat by Hammurabi.
Early Origins and Growth

• Larsa, founded in the Ubaid period (c. 6000-4000 BCE), emerged as a significant city-state by the end of the Ur III period (c. 2000 BCE).

Peak Period (Isin-Larsa Period)

• Under King Rim-Sin I (c. 1822–1763 BC), Larsa reached its height of power.

Decline and Aftermath

• After Hammurabi of Babylon defeated Rim-Sin I around 1763 BCE, Larsa transitioned from a dominant regional power to a minor site within the Babylonian empire.
  

It developed into a prominent regional power, initially joining with Isin and then establishing itself as a stand-alone empire controlling about 10-15 other city-states.

This era was a period of prosperity, with agricultural and trade flourished, supported by extensive irrigation projects and business documentation.

Huge building projects and undertakings were detected archaeologically during this time, indicating a flourishing city and population.

The Babylonian state eventually relocated the city's population.

There are suggestions that Larsa was the home of the First Sealand Dynasty of Babylon, but this remains a point of discussion.

 

[JLG]

Larsa (3)

• Larsa, founded in the Ubaid period (c. 6000-4000 BCE), emerged as a significant city-state by the end of the Ur III period (c. 2000 BCE).

Peak Period (Isin-Larsa Period)

• Under King Rim-Sin I (c. 1822–1763 BC), Larsa reached its height of power.